Public involvement Preferred design layout Based on the feedback we received through community engagement, including our online input experience, we identified a preferred layout to present for our final phase of engagement. This design layout will be used to develop the final designs for the project with construction expected to begin in 2024. More information on the preferred concept is available under the “Project information” section of this page. View the preferred concept (PDF) Previous design outreach The county held an open house on October 6th at the St. Louis Park Rec Center. View the open house presentation boards (PDF) View the open house handout (PDF) Review the presentation slides (PDF) Engagement summaries View the engagement summaries to learn more about the events, online comment collection and other outreach done to inform the community gather feedback about the project. 2021 engagement summary (PDF) 2022 engagement summary (PDF)
Project information Purpose of project Minnetonka Boulevard was last reconstructed in 1952 and is nearing the end of its useful life. We need to reconstruct the roadway because routine maintenance activities such as overlays and crackseals are no longer cost effective in preserving the road. In addition, the current design poses challenges for people biking, walking, and rolling. The existing sidewalk facilities are located immediately adjacent to the road, which can be uncomfortable for people walking, and persons with limited mobility may experience issues because many intersections do not meet current Americans with Disabilities Act design requirements. Residents also have noted safety concerns due to the existing four-lane undivided road design. Additionally, the storm water system is not working properly, which puts a burden on local systems. Read a project introduction document (PDF). Proposed improvements We are considering the following features when reconstructing Minnetonka Boulevard: Lane reconfigurations, such as reducing lanes from 4 to 3 (one general traffic lane in each direction with a center turn lane) to better facilitate vehicle turns and provide traffic calming Realignments, such as improving the transition for westbound users as they access Minnetonka Boulevard from West Lake Street Improved first- and last-mile connections for people biking, walking and rolling to the Beltline Boulevard and West Lake Street light rail stations, which will be in close proximity to Minnetonka Boulevard Enhancements for people walking and rolling, including curb extensions, raised medians and crossing beacons Accommodations for people biking Streetscape improvements View the preferred concept (PDF)
Project leadership Hennepin County Jason Staebell Project engineer for design jason.staebell@hennepin.us 612-596-0371 Madeline Lunzer Community liaison madeline.lunzer@bolton-menk.com 612-524-9087 City of St. Louis Park Joseph Shamla Sr. Engineering Project Manager jshamla@stlouispark.org 952-924-2552
