Statement on Upcoming Improvements to Hennepin Ave NE and 1st Ave NE

Earlier this month, Hennepin County Public Works staff released a recommended concept for the Hennepin Ave NE and 1st Ave NE roadway improvements project. The work on this project, which will stretch from Main St to 8th St, is scheduled for 2024. The District 2 office has received a significant amount of constituent advocacy related to this project over the last few months. This statement provides an update on the progress that’s been made on this important project.

The Hennepin Ave NE and 1st Ave NE corridor from Main St to 8th St serves a robust network of small businesses, a rapidly growing resident base, dozens of offices and professional settings, and more. Hennepin County Public Works staff have done an outstanding job developing this project. Hennepin staff have diligently engaged in significant community engagement efforts. Their dedication to listening and professional expertise ensures that the recommended concept will serve as the best path forward for the wide array of residents who travel this corridor.

Successful improvements to the infrastructure in this area will accommodate residents’ needs across all modes of mobility, as well as improvement to stormwater management, future transit and transportation projects, local economic development, and more. The recommended concept announced earlier this month will be an important step forward for the surrounding neighborhoods. Proposed improvements include the following:

  • 24/7 dedicated transit lanes

  • Protected bicycle lanes

  • Expanded sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure

  • Traffic calming measures

  • Corridor greening including trees and plantings 

These improvements align with Hennepin County’s Climate Action Plan and declaration of Racism as a Public Health Emergency. You can learn more about the project area and factors that Hennepin County Public Works leaders are considering with regards to this project here.

Vehicle travel accounts for well over 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Hennepin County. In order to achieve our goal for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, we must reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and implement solutions that provide fast, safe, and frequent transit alternatives for all residents.

Additionally, while 7% of white Hennepin households do not own a private vehicle, 19% of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) Hennepin households do not own a private vehicle. In the City of Minneapolis that distinction is even sharper. 12% of white Minneapolis households do not own a private vehicle while 29% of BIPOC Minneapolis households do not own a private vehicle. In order to make progress towards reducing racial disparities within Hennepin County, we must provide higher-quality transit services for our residents. (Source)

There will be ample opportunity over the next 18 months to continue to provide feedback and engage with project leadership before construction is scheduled to begin. To add your voice to the conversation, fill out this comment card, visit the project website, or contact project manager Josh Potter at josh.potter@hennepin.us.

If you have further questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Constituent Services & Policy Aide Bill Emory at bill.emory@hennepin.us

Akhilesh Menawat