Design assistance
Design assistance is a new form of engineering studies. It intends to bridge the gap between safe routes to school plan strategies and implementation. Design assistance reports will verify existing methods and identify new engineering strategies to improve walking and bicycling routes to and from schools. The resulting document will include project summary sheets with concept-level drawings and a list of potential infrastructure projects prioritized by effectiveness in addressing safety risks, possible usage, and cost. Additional details are available in the solicitation guide.
How it works
Selected applicants will receive consultant services to develop a design report. This report will identify up to four community locations where students walk or bike to school. Consultants will assist recipients in the spring/summer and fall to identify areas and determine potential improvements for each site.
There may be up to three alternatives for each location, including potential infrastructure improvements, safety benefits, and rough construction costs. Recipients may use this report to plan future construction projects and bolster applications for state and federal infrastructure funding.
2023 solicitation summary
| Score | Applicant | City classification | MnDOT district |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa | Tribal Nation | 1 |
| 90 | City of Saint Paul | First Class | Metro |
| 87 | City of Richfield | Second Class | Metro |
| 82 | City of Rochester | First Class | 6 |
| 69 | City of Hayfield | Fourth Class | 6 |
| 67 | Otsego Schools (ISD 728) | Second Class | Metro |
| 65 | City of Tracy | Fourth Class | 8 |
| 63 | City of Rushford Village | Fourth Class | 6 |
| 63 | City of Spring Grove | Fourth Class | 6 |
| 61 | Carlton County | Fourth Class | 1 |