$3 Million In Federal Funds Will Go To Burnsville Intersection

BURNSVILLE, MN — A federal investment of $3 million will go towards redesigning the Highway 13 and Nicollet Avenue intersection, Rep. Angie Craig announced Thursday.

Craig began pushing for the funding last year and says the redesign will help prevent future crashes and reduce traffic delays.

Officials noted that in the past six years, the intersection — which is one of the busiest in the south Twin Cities metro — has seen more than 100 crashes, including two recent pedestrian deaths.

"The high number of crashes at the intersection of Highway 13 and Nicollet Ave is deeply alarming and calls for urgent action from public safety and government officials," Craig said in a statement.

"I worked to secure this funding to make the intersection safer for the thousands of drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who cross through it every day."

Craig said the investment will allow the city to reduce traffic delays by more than 500 percent and make safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists who need to cross the intersection.

"As Mayor, ensuring the safety of Burnsville residents is always one of my top priorities," said Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz.

"Over the past few years, we have seen the number of crashes at the Highway 13 and Nicollet Avenue intersection climb to a concerning level – but receiving this $3 million in federal funding will help us redesign this intersection to make it safer for the thousands of people who cross through it daily. It was great working with Rep. Craig to secure these critical funds for our city."

Specific design plans for the intersection have not yet been released. Read Craig's letter of request for the funds here.