City Of Golden Valley: Construction On Hwy 55/Douglas Dr Intersection Project Scheduled For 2023

Press release from the City of Golden Valley:

September 28, 2021

Construction on a project to improve safety at the Hwy 55 and Douglas Dr intersection is anticipated to start in spring 2023. Main features include an ADA compliant culvert crossing under Hwy 55 for pedestrians and bikers and a mini-roundabout at the south frontage road intersection to provide more queuing capacity for vehicles at the traffic signal.

Currently pedestrians must cross six lanes of Hwy 55 traffic to reach businesses, schools, and other area amenities. The Luce Line regional trail just north of Hwy 55 also brings many recreational bikers and joggers to the area. The new underpass will improve safety for both bikers and pedestrians.

Because of the south frontage road’s proximity to Hwy 55, vehicles don’t have room to queue at the intersection. This causes significant back-ups and waiting through numerous traffic signal cycles. Multiple accidents have occurred at the intersection as a result. The roundabout will extend the throat of the intersection and move more vehicles through in a shorter time.

The $6.5 million project has been years in planning and was funded in the $1.87 billion bonding bill signed by Gov Tim Walz in October 2020. The City’s partners include the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Hennepin County, the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, and the Perpich Center For Arts Education.

Next steps will include community engagement regarding some aspects of the project’s design. For more information and updates, visit the City website.

This press release was produced by the City of Golden Valley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.