Hiawatha LRT Trail

[Realstreets]

Anyone know of plans to improve the Hiawatha LRT Trail? Just curious. The trail, especially south of Lake is bumpy and intersections are not particularly bike friendly with curb ramps and separated right turn lanes. Painted bike/pedestrian lanes would also be nice.

[bubzki2]

Yeah, it's more of a sidewalk than proper bike trail. In fact, I don't think many people even know it's supposed to carry bikes, to be honest.

[TommyT]

Maybe this should be moved to Transportation?

[bubzki2]

Actually, this probably should be in the Bicycle Infrastructure thread.

[mattaudio]

It's getting lighting and other upgrades ahead of Railvolution... we want people to think we look good, right?

[MNdible]

I'm sure that's what's motivating the changes. A conference that 98% of Minneapolitans will never know even occurred.

Anyway, somebody posted on here the proposed geometry improvements at all of the Hiawatha intersections, and it certainly seems like those will make a big difference.

[mattaudio]

Actually, multiple inside sources have confirmed that it's the exact reason behind upgrades along the trail.

[FISHMANPET]

I'm sure that's what's motivating the changes. A conference that 98% of Minneapolitans will never know even occurred.

I assume the point is to impress the people coming here for Railvolution.

[MNdible]

I know that's what he was getting at. I tend to have more faith in our public employees than that, but whatever. It's a project that needed to happen and had been programmed. If this conference is the kick in the pants to get it finished, then great.

[twincitizen]

Anyway, somebody posted on here the proposed geometry improvements at all of the Hiawatha intersections, and it certainly seems like those will make a big difference.

I'm not so sure they'll make a big difference, but they'll help. Anyways...
According to the project website (which hasn't been updated in two years), the intersection improvements are to begin construction this spring:
http://www.minnehaha-hiawatha.com/crossings

The initial project would include 32nd, 38th, 42nd, and 46th streets — 35th and 28th streets could be added depending on the final bids. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2014.

If anyone wants to bug this guy for project (or website) updates, be my guest:
Robb Luckow
Hennepin County Community Works Program
612-348-9344
[email protected]

[Realstreets]

Thanks for that link. Was the actual trail constructed during the LRT construction? If so was concrete (vs. asphalt) chosen because of the climate?

[John21]

They've started work on the medians.