University Avenue and Highway 65 Corridor Development

A Planning and Environmental Linkages study is a tool used to create efficiency in transportation project development. It considers environmental laws and engages resource agencies, stakeholders and the public in developing a future vision for a travel corridor. The need for a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study for University Avenue and Central Avenue/Trunk Highway 65 was identified following a series of City of Fridley-led corridor meetings occurring in 2019 as well as a comprehensive safety study of the corridors conducted by MnDOT.

Public feedback for the PEL was gathered during 2022 and draft concepts were put forth for public comment in 2023. MnDOT is currently developing the final study report which reviews different types of roadways, intersection designs, and access changes.

• PEL Project Page
• PEL Project Factsheet(PDF, 383KB)

Ongoing work to improve operations and access along University Avenue and Central Avenue/Trunk Highway 65 is occuring during the development of the PEL. Information on active and upcoming MnDOT construction projects on these roadways can be found on the MnDOT Project page.

Metro Transit identified the Route 10 corridor for a planned bus rapid transit line to be known as the F Line. Design of the stations and surrounding improvements is ongoing. Stay up to date by visiting Metro Transit's project webpage.

The City of Fridley and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) held four community meetings to gather input for the future design of University Avenue and Highway 65 in Fridley in 2019. The workshops allowed residents to give their feedback on the community's goals and priorities from a livability and transportation standpoint, aesthetics for the city, corridor design for businesses and more.

The four workshops were held on February 21, March 7 and 21, and April 4 at the Fridley Civic Campus.

• Workshop I focused on gathering information to learn about what is important and unique about each of the roadways, concerns about mobility and aesthetics, and possible improvements.
• Workshop II involved a street design options exercise where residents worked with design and transportation experts to create options for the roadways.
• Workshop III was a panel discussion to learn from other cities who have had similar produces to learn about opportunities and challenges.
• Workshop IV was the final workshop and had attendees contribute to the create of the street design recommendations that will be presented to Fridley City Council, Fridley Planning Commission and MnDOT.

Resources:

The following resources are PDFs.

• Workshop I Agenda(PDF, 212KB)
• Workshop I Presentation(PDF, 4MB)
• Workshop I Small Discussion Notes(PDF, 115KB)
• Workshops Overview(PDF, 126KB)