Residents and business owners in Fridley have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of Highway 47/University Avenue. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Fridley City Hall to discuss the corridor's proposed designs. As part of its engagement process, MnDOT has previously shared design possibilities, such as the introduction of roundabouts and changes in lane configurations, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety.
After months of collecting feedback, MnDOT is ready to put forth its proposed design options which feature single and multilane roundabouts, grade-separated intersections, and the consideration of a lane reduction at the corridor's southern stretch. While navigating the concerns and ideas put forward by the community, MnDOT has promised an exhaustive review of the various designs's technical aspects and their potential impact on the surrounding areas.
MnDOT has engaged with local communities throughout the summer, presenting several configurations to business owners and stakeholders along the corridor. These meetings serve as a platform to outline the implications of the proposed road changes and the design elements under consideration. The feedback received from these sessions will be incorporated into the final decision-making process, ensuring that the chosen alternative balances both engineering needs and public interests.
For those unable to attend the in-person meeting, MnDOT offers alternative ways to stay involved. They will be setting up to talk with passersby at Northtown Mall on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 12 – 3 p.m. A virtual meeting is also planned on Friday, Dec. 13 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. to cater to a wider audience. Anyone interested can find more details and keep updated by visiting the project website.
The outcome of these discussions will steer MnDOT and its local partners toward a final design, with the subsequent step being the pursuit of funds to implement the road improvement project. As Fridley residents anticipate these potential changes, the highway study promises a step forward in the evolution of their roads and an enhancement of daily commutes.
