Complete Streets in Minnesota communities
Hwy 87 in Frazee
Background
The 2022 Highway 87 Complete Streets project South of Highway 100 to North River Drive in Frazee, Minnesota, provides a safer, better connected, and more accessible system for people of all abilities and ways they travel. Six years in the making, MnDOT worked in partnership with the city and the local public health department to update this corridor to better serve regional and local needs.
The 30-mile stretch provides access to a mix of businesses and a high school while also serving a significant volume of truck traffic and even some horse and buggy traffic from the local Amish population. Along with routine stormwater and sewer upgrades and ADA upgrades, a road reallocation created a new shared use path with street lighting throughout.
This has made it easier for kids to bike and walk to school and provides a safer connection between the HeartlandTrail and the central business district. These enhancements in safety, access, and ADA upgrades have led to a significant increase in walking and biking activity throughout the city.
Complete Streets elements
Vehicle Lane Adjustments and Dedicated Biking and Walking Space
Narrower vehicle travel lanes promote slower driving speeds, contributing to a safer roadway by reducing the severity of crashes and shortening crossing distances for pedestrians. A separated multi-use path designates a preferential space for bicyclists through the use of pavement markings and signs. This project included traffic-calming elements that addressed the perceived speeding problem without adding a large expense to the project, including bike lanes and reduced-width vehicle and parking lanes.
Curb Extensions and Improved Crosswalks
Curb extensions — also called bulb-outs or bump-outs — extend a small section of the sidewalk into the roadway at intersections or at midblock crossings. In this project, curb extensions and improved crosswalks reduce pedestrian crossing distances, increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers, and cultivate more foot traffic for local businesses. Curb extensions were calibrated to accommodate turning movements by freight trucks and snowplows.
Before and after
Before
After
Complete Streets themes
Economics
Even with a narrow scope of work and small project budget, several improvements to the walking and biking environment were realized for the community. Complete Streets elements provide a more welcoming streetscape for people walking and bicycling through Frazee’s downtown business corridor, bringing increased foot traffic to local businesses. Construction was also completed in stages to minimize local traffic and business impacts.
Active Transportation
On-street bike lanes, improved crosswalks, and curb extensions provide safer places for people to walk and bike through downtown Frazee, encouraging active transportation by limiting on street parking in the business district. Shortening the crossing distances for people walking and biking also improves community connectedness and helps reduce the perception of the highway as a barrier.
Safety
Traffic calming to address residents’ and local businesses’ speeding concerns was a focus of the project. Narrowing travel lanes helped reduce vehicle travel speed. At lower speeds, drivers have a wider field of vision and are more likely to notice pedestrians and other road users. This can also help reduce the likelihood and impact of crashes.
Freight
The roadway is a freight entry point for Highway 87. MnDOT staff worked with advocates representing both freight and pedestrian groups to meet their needs. Reduced crossing distances for people walking, while ensuring that turning radii met freight vehicle needs by calibrating each ramp, provide safety and functionality for both.
Collaboration and Community Input
MnDOT worked closely with the city, splitting the project into urban and rural sections. The city applied for Transportation Alternative funds and collaborated with the PartnerSHIP 4 Health, a combined health department for Becker, Clay and Otter Tail, and Wilkin counties that is funded in part by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant. Partnership 4 Health efforts helped build a strong foundation for biking and walking in the community, playing a key role in designating the city as a Bicycle Friendly Community a Safe Route to School project. This foundation opened the door to meaningful early engagement to with community during the planning process.
Results
- Increased active transportation: The improvements have led to more people walking and biking, particularly students traveling to school. Safer routes and crossings have fostered a greater sense of security.
- Community connectedness: Enhanced safety and accessibility have strengthened community ties, promoting a more connected and vibrant town.
- Economic benefits: Increased foot traffic has supported local businesses, contributing to the town's economic health.
- Public health: Safer, more accessible environment to encourage more active travel for residents.