Complete Streets in Minnesota communities
Hwy 19 in New Prague
Background
Highway 19 runs east-west through New Prague, MN. The city led the project to reconstruct approximately one mile of roadway through the historic portion of downtown to replace aging and deteriorating infrastructure. MnDOT worked with the city on the reconstruction project to improve the driving surface, upgrade underground utilities and improve pedestrian accessibility while supporting a walkable, vibrant downtown environment that still accommodates freight access and mobility.
Complete Streets elements
Lane adjustments
Parking lanes were narrowed to reduce the distance pedestrians had to walk across the street and to help slow through traffic. This was achieved while still allowing enough space for maintenance, freight mobility, and access to local goods and services.
Mini-roundabouts
Roundabouts are considered safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. They reduce crossing distances for people walking through the intersection. Mini-roundabouts can be constructed within the existing footprint of the roadway. Mini roundabouts provide surmountable curbs for freight to make turns. Colored concrete delineates it as a change in driving pattern.
Landscaping and lighting
Amenity zones serve as a buffer between pedestrian and vehicle traffic and provide an inviting street environment.
Before and after
Before
After
Complete Streets themes
Collaboration
MnDOT participated in a community advisory group for the project, which met over a few years prior to construction. With only about 66 feet of right of way to work with and historic buildings located up near the right of way on both sides of the roadway, there were many discussions about tradeoffs on how to best allocate the available space. The advisory group allowed for discussion, education and diverse input to inform decision making.
Safety
The city installed curb extensions (bumpouts) and colored concrete crosswalks to make pedestrians more visible. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) were placed at two crosswalk locations. These include flashing lights that are passively activated by a pedestrian to increase driver awareness of pedestrians at crosswalks, uncontrolled intersections, or mid-block.
Freight
The Highway 19 corridor in New Prague remains an important through route for freight. By installing mini-roundabouts, New Prague provided a helpful solution to pedestrian safety needs while also ensuring freight vehicles could maneuver through the corridor. The mini roundabouts were built with surmountable curbs to accommodate freight vehicles making tight turns. While parking lane widths were reduced, driving lanes remained 12 feet wide so that freight could easily move through downtown.
Active Transportation
The city paid special attention to curating a welcoming downtown environment on its Main Street. ADA accessible sidewalks were widened up to 13 feet in some places and color banded concrete added to the aesthetics of downtown New Prague. Additional elements including a city owned park and amenity zones with benches, plantings, and brighter lighting help community members enjoy downtown as a destination, not just a through-route.