Safe Routes to School Project

Open House Materials:

April 7th Open House Invitation(PDF, 577KB)

61st Avenue - Proposed Improvements Exhibit(PDF, 5MB)

7th Street - Proposed Improvements Exhibit(PDF, 5MB)

Commons Park/Fridley Middle School - Proposed Improvements Exhibit(PDF, 2MB)

Typical Sections Exhibit(PDF, 603KB)

Preliminary Construction Phasing(PDF, 3MB)

The City of Fridley is proposing to apply for grant funding through the Regional Solicitation program for priority projects listed in the approved SRTS plans for Hayes Elementary School and Fridley Middle School including:

• An 8'-10' wide trail connection on the eastside of 7th Street between 61st Avenue and Mississippi Street connecting the existing 7th Street trail to Mississippi Street
• An 8' to 10' wide trail connection on the northside of 61st Avenue between University Avenue and Fridley Middle School replacing the existing sidewalk
• An 8' to 10' wide trail connection on the northside of Commons Park and Fridley Middle School connecting 7th Street and Jackson Street
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at the intersections of  7th Street and Monroe Street with Mississippi Street

These projects will fill gaps within the City’s existing trail network and improve crossings for local roads. 

• View map of the proposed projects(PDF, 301KB)
• Mississippi St (CSAH 6)  Roadway Modification Study

Safe Routes to School Grant Application

In 2023, the City of Fridley submitted an application for federal funding through the Metropolitan Council Active Transportation Grant regional solicitation program for the proposed Safe Routes to School improvements identified with the project. In 2024, the City was awarded the maximum percentage of grant funding for the project in the amount of $1,000,000. For more information, please see the City’s Regional Solicitation grant application:

City of Fridley Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Regional Solicitation Grant Application(PDF, 21MB)

Safe Routes to School Plans

In 2017, the City of Fridley and Fridley Public Schools collaborated to update Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plans to increase opportunities for area students to walk, bike, and roll to school. These plans outline priority infrastructure as well as programmatic and educational strategies to be implemented by the City and Fridley Public Schools. SRTS projects completed to date include the construction of the West Moore Lake Drive Trail (Medtronic Parkway to 61st Avenue), 7th Street Trail (53rd Avenue to 61st Avenue), 61st Avenue flashing stop signs and new bike parking.

You can find more information on the importance of increasing walking and biking to school, current barriers to walking and biking to school, and identified priority projects within the approved SRTS Plans:

• Hayes Elementary SRTS Plan(PDF, 6MB)
• Fridley Middle School SRTS Plan(PDF, 7MB)
• Stevenson Elementary SRTS Plan(PDF, 8MB)

May 22, 2026

The City’s contractor, JL Theis, Inc., is anticipated to begin construction activity on Thursday, May 28th along 7th Street and the portion of 61st Avenue adjacent to Commons Park. Next week, the Contractor will install traffic control signage, saw cut the street pavement and reclaim a portion of the existing pavement in preparation for construction of the new shared-use trail. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice(PDF, 273KB). 

April 17th, 2026

On Monday, April 13th, the City of Fridley awarded the Safe Routes to School Improvement Project to JL Theis, Inc. of Jordan, MN. Construction activity for the project is anticipated to begin in May and will include the construction of new shared-use trails and other miscellaneous work along 61st Avenue, 7th Street and Commons Park. In advance of the City’s project, Michels Corporation is performing gas main and service replacements on behalf of CenterPoint Energy along portions of 61st Avenue and 7th Street. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice(PDF, 573KB) .

April 10th, 2026

On April 7th, the City’s Engineering Division hosted an informational open house for the project. At the meeting, staff shared exhibits of the proposed improvements, typical sections and anticipated construction phasing. Those unable to attend are encouraged to review the meeting materials in the Project Details section below and contact City project staff at (763) 572-3554 or web-StreetProjects@fridleymn.gov with any questions or comments.

March 27, 2026

The City’s Engineering Division has finalized the project design and is currently soliciting bids for construction. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in May 2026 with substantial completion in August 2026. Once the project has been awarded for construction, project residents can expect a mailed project update with additional information on construction scheduling and impacts.

Construction Information and FAQ(PDF, 94KB)

Restoration Care Guide(PDF, 399KB)

For more information, please contact 763-572-3554 or email Web-StreetProjects@FridleyMN.gov.