Tell Hennepin County to Improve the Proposed Final Design

Read the Letter and Co-Sign Below

Attn: Commissioner Lunde, Commissioner Fernando, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Conley, Commissioner Goettel, Commissioner Edelson, Commissioner Anderson, Hennepin County Principal Project Engineer/Manager Jason Staebell, Hennepin County Design Division Manager Jessa Trboyevich, Hennepin County Director of Transportation Project Delivery Carla Stueve, Hennepin County Public Works Assistant County Administrator Lisa Cerney, and Hennepin County Transportation Engineer Josh Potter

CC: Minneapolis City Council

Re: Lyndale Avenue South Reconstruction

We submit this letter to voice our opposition to the proposed final reconstruction design for Lyndale Avenue South from 31^st Street to Franklin Avenue. We ask that the Orange option design featuring a separate bikeway and transit lanes be recentered with additional improvements outlined below.

The Lyndale reconstruction is a 50-80 year investment, and pedestrian, bike, and public transit infrastructure, especially in Minneapolis, is critical to making sure that Hennepin County makes progress on its Climate Action Plan. We are excited for the reconstruction we know is possible, with a new Lyndale that: 

• is more inviting for people to commute, dine, shop, reside, relax, and recreate; 
• makes it easier and safer to walk, bike, roll, and bus;
• protects our air and promotes our climate goals; and 
• is welcoming for people of every age, race, and ability.

The proposed final design released by Hennepin County in August does not support the needs or wants of our community in a number of ways. Here are our top priorities we want to see changed for the final design:

1. Include a Bikeway Separated from the Sidewalk 

The bikeway shown in the Orange option should be included in the final design. The Shared Use Path in the proposed final design for Lyndale Avenue South is an undignified treatment for people who walk, bike, and roll because it lacks distinction between modes of transportation, creating conflict and discomfort for all users. A Shared Use Path would work best with low traffic volumes and slow speeds. With Lyndale Avenue’s pedestrian volumes and commercial density, the proposed design is incompatible with its existing and projected use. People who already commute by bike will be forced to choose between navigating pedestrian traffic and sharing a road designed for cars. This is exacerbated by a missing connection from 29^th to 31^st Streets for people who bike and roll, when we know that LynLake is the most popular destination for all users on the corridor, while also being the most dangerous intersection for pedestrians. People walking, biking, and rolling need to be able to reach their destinations without constantly worrying about their safety due to travel modes mixing. 

2. Create a Vibrant Pedestrian Experience

Walking along Lyndale should not only feel safe, but pleasant and welcoming. This reconstruction offers an opportunity to build on the vibrancy of our beloved commercial corridor in a way that will draw people in. A Shared Use Path is not safe, calming, or conducive to the intended activities of commuting (whether you’re walking, rolling, or biking), dining outdoors, and shopping. Suggested improvements include:

• Redesigning the LynLake blocks to reinforce its draw as a dynamic commercial destination by including benches, planters, bike racks, midblock crossings, placemaking elements, and other urban amenities.
• Planting medians wherever possible, especially at 25th and 27th Streets.
• Ensuring transit station locations do not overcrowd sidewalks, remove patios, and obstruct storefront sightlines, especially at 24th Street.

3. Improve Transit Performance From Day One

With no clear plan to implement a dedicated bus lane on Lyndale in the next decade, a 12-foot wide parking lane with bumpouts is not ideal or realistic for the corridor to be “aBRT ready” as it would lead to inefficient use of space now and the removal of bumpouts after only a few years. We need to see better transit performance for the existing Route 4 starting from day one, which in turn will benefit any future Lyndale BRT. 

• Faster transit and BRT readiness can be achieved with stop consolidation around LynLake, higher curbs to make wheelchair loading easier, quality shelters with real time bus arrival displays, and transit signal priority.
• Queue jumps, or short stretches of bus lane that allow buses to skip to the front of the line at congested intersections, should be strategically placed in a way that will not only improve performance for the existing Route 4, but also any future BRT that may come to Lyndale Avenue. Including these in the 2027 reconstruction will prevent the need to spend money removing bumpouts and relitigating parking concerns in the next decade. Suggested locations include:
  • Northbound Lyndale from the Greenway to 28th Street: Traffic frequently backs up at this light, and the rightmost lane is currently underutilized parking since adjacent businesses are auto oriented with large parking lots 
  • Northbound Lyndale approaching 26th Street in front of the Aldi which has a dedicated parking lot
  • Southbound Lyndale approaching 24th Street
  • Southbound Lyndale approaching Franklin Avenue

4. Calm Traffic and Boost Safety

It is not safe for anyone to be on a road that is overtly prioritizing the convenience of moving cars over other modes of transportation. The excessively wide parking lanes will cause drivers to speed as if they were on a highway. Driving lanes and parking lanes need to be narrowed in order to calm traffic. Additionally, excessive turn lanes should be removed or reduced to to create enough space for people walking, biking, rolling, and taking the bus. Suggested improvements include:

• Minimizing pedestrian crossings to four lanes or fewer.
• Creating raised crosswalks for better experience and improved safety for pedestrians. 
• Removing driveways that have been decommissioned by businesses.

The movement for Livable Lyndale is continually growing. Over the past two years, we have collected over 2,400 signatures, 1,425 postcards, and over 250 personal stories—all in support for bus and bike lanes on Lyndale Avenue South. Over the past year, we have hosted four rallies with a combined total of over 350 attendees. By improving the final design to be a more complete street for people who walk, bike, roll, and take the bus, Hennepin County would not only be supporting its Climate Action Plan, but would also be aligned with the City of Minneapolis’s goal of inducing regional mode shift that prioritizes pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure.

We look forward to supporting Hennepin County as it improves the Lyndale Avenue South reconstruction design to better support the needs and wants of the community.

Sincerely,

The Livable Lyndale Team, Move Minnesota

[AND CO-SIGNING ORGANIZATIONS & PUBLIC OFFICIALS]

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