2026 Greater Minnesota local HSIP Solicitation now open – $30.5 million available
By: Girma Feyissa, State Aid Traffic Safety Engineer
The 2026 federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) solicitation for Greater Minnesota (non-metro areas) is now open. City and county transportation agencies are invited to apply for funding to support roadway safety improvement projects.
Application deadline
Submit completed applications to the MnDOT Office of Traffic Engineering at SafetyProject.DOT@state.mn.us by November 26, 2025.
Safe Streets for All Plans eligible for HSIP
Cities and counties across Minnesota have been developing Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) safety action plans in recent years. These plans identify priority locations and recommended projects that can be used to support applications for HSIP. Applicants are encouraged to utilize their SS4A plans and apply for HSIP.
Key program updates
1. Pilot Rumble Strip Program (100 percent federally funded – no cost to locals)
MnDOT is launching a new pilot program to install rumble strips on local roadways—no local match required.
Program highlights:
- MnDOT will hire a consultant for Preliminary and Construction Engineering at no cost to local agencies.
- Construction will be fully funded through federal sources—local agencies pay nothing.
- Local agencies are only responsible for inspecting the completed work on their roadways.
- The application form and spreadsheet will be available on the State Aid Traffic Safety webpage.
This pilot program complements—but is separate from—the traditional HSIP program. It focuses on reducing lane departure crashes and lowering barriers to implementing proven safety measures.
2. Traditional HSIP Program Announcement
For all other safety improvement projects submitted under the 2026 HSIP solicitation:
- Local match: 10 percent required.
- Multi-county/districtwide projects: May qualify for up to 100 percent funding; engineering costs may be eligible for 90 percent.
- Funding cap: $750,000 per location per jurisdiction. If multiple jurisdictions are applying for HSIP at a single location, each jurisdiction may be awarded up to $750,000.
- Pedestrian/bicycle safety: Projects in this category are encouraged and may receive bonus points.
- Spot location applications: MnDOT will calculate benefit-cost (B/C) ratios for consistency.
3. Shared requirements and resources
(Applies to all project types in bullet 1 and 2 above)
- MPO coordination:
- Projects within MPO boundaries require early coordination and a letter of support. Engage your MPO early to streamline this process.
- Resources:
- The HSIP 2027–2030 application and guidebook is available on the State Aid Traffic Safety webpage.
Need help?
For questions or assistance with your application, contact girma.feyissa@state.mn.us.