Complete Streets in Minnesota communities
Hwys 28, 29, and 104 in Glenwood
Background
There was abundant right-of-way at approximately 110 feet building-to-building, and the crash rate near downtown was twice the state average.
The community requested speed-mitigation measures and bike lanes, but lane reduction was contentious among some in the business community due to loss of truck parking and business access.
Throughout the public engagement process, a range of options were presented to the community. Photos from a lane removal project in Battle Lake were shared to demonstrate its benefits.
The City Council voted to support the highway reconfiguration and to proceed with the Complete Streets design. After construction, the community has seen benefits including improved safety, opportunities for active transportation, and economic benefits.
Complete Streets elements
Lane adjustment
Narrower travel lanes promote slower driving speeds, contributing to a safer roadway by reducing the severity of crashes and shortening crossing distance.
Minnesota Ave. in downtown had four 12-foot through-lanes. One through-lane was removed, one repurposed as a center left-turn lane, and parking stall width was reduced.
Raised cycletrack
Raised cycletracks are bicycle facilities that are vertically separated from motor vehicle traffic. Many are paired with a furnishing zone between the cycle track and vehicle travel lane and/or pedestrian area.
Adjusting the width of driving lanes and parking stalls allowed for the inclusion of raised cycle tracks on both sides of the street. Adding cycletracks downtown closed the gap in the local bike trail network.
Landscaping and lighting
Amenity zones serve as a buffer between pedestrian and vehicle traffic and provide an inviting street environment. Improved lighting, trees, planters, benches, table sets, waste receptacles, and bike racks create a strong street character.
Before and after
Before
After
Complete Streets themes
Collaboration
MnDOT adjusted the project timing to fit with the City’s planned sewer project.
MnDOT worked with local partners to find a Complete Streets solution that addressed business owners’ concerns about parking.
The City of Glenwood obtained equipment such as Bobcats with plows and blowers to clear snow.
Economics
The vibrant streetscape and improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities draw residents and visitors downtown. Passing through town on foot or by bicycle provides more opportunities to stop and patronize local businesses.
Safety
Narrowing the roadway and travel lanes lowers vehicle travel speeds, and bump outs shorten crossing distance. A raised cycle track separates bicyclists and vehicle traffic.
Two-years post-construction there was one minor crash involving pedestrians a significant improvement in safety outcomes.
Freight
These highways are oversize/overweight freight routes, so it was important to ensure trucks could make turning movements.
The raised cycle track drops to grade at intersections to allow for freight turning movements.
Although 11-foot travel lanes are often recommended in a context like this, 12- foot lanes were maintained to address community concerns about freight traffic.
Active transportation
Improved sidewalks and cycletracks that connect to bike trails provide safe places for residents and visitors to get physical activity.