Aesthetic Surface Treatments Pilot Project
About this project
We are testing Aesthetic Surface Treatments (AST) at the intersection of Olson Memorial Hwy/Hwy 55 and Van White Blvd. through a pilot project. ASTs are temporary decorative pavement designs that add color or patterns to a road or sidewalk.
Communities are becoming more interested in AST installations to enliven public spaces. MnDOT has recently developed guidance for ASTs. The Aesthetic Surface Treatments technical memoranda is available on MnDOT’s Technical memoranda website. We are using this pilot project to test AST’s to learn how to best apply this guidance and evaluate their feasibility in Minnesota.
Designs will be decorative only and will not resemble traffic control devices or communicate messages to people driving, walking or rolling.
Per MnDOT’s AST Technical Memoranda design may use:
- Geometric patterns such as quilts, mosaics or mandalas
- Stylized nature patterns such as flowers, waves or leaves
- Architectural or material-inspired patterns such as brickwork, stonework, tile or pavers
Designs will follow accessibility standards for pedestrians with disabilities.
Schedule and engagement
We will work with Minneapolis Public Schools students in fall 2026 to help shape the design. We will finalize the design in winter 2026–2027 and install the AST in spring 2027. Once installed, the AST will remain in place for about a year.
During our study and preliminary design engagement for the upcoming reconstruction project of Olson Memorial Hwy in North Minneapolis, we heard a wide range of priorities from people who travel through and live in the area. We are developing alternative concepts that will improve conditions at this intersection and in the project area for the long term. We will seek public input on these concepts during the next phase of engagement.