Minnetonka Boulevard

The project team is evaluating different design options to make Minnetonka Boulevard safer for people biking, walking, and rolling. Two design features we are using throughout the draft design concepts are roundabouts and pedestrian refuges.

Roundabouts

A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection without traffic signal equipment in which traffic flows around a center island. It operates with yield control at the entry points and gives priority to vehicles within the roundabout. Roundabouts have been proven safer than traditional intersections, keeping vehicles, pedestrians, and bikers moving safely, and moving them through the intersection in less time than most stop signs or signals.

Benefits:

• Fewer severe crashes
• Slower vehicle speeds
• Less off-peak delays
• Lower vehicle emissions
• Improved walkability

Tradeoffs:

• More space needed
• May require property impacts
• Higher up-front costs
• Less familiar for some drivers
• Can be challenging for larger vehicles

Pedestrian refuges

Pedestrian refuges, also called pedestrian refuge islands, are medians with designated space for pedestrians to wait for traffic to clear. These medians shorten crossing distances for people who walk, bike, and roll, and make it easier for drivers to see them.

Benefits:

• Enhanced crossing visibility
• Shorter crossing distances for pedestrians and refuge area
• Slower vehicle speeds

Tradeoffs:

• Wider roadway footprint
• Increased maintenance (if planted)

You can view the draft design concept A, concept B, and concept C, and share your feedback in our online survey. The survey will close on Friday, November 14.

We’ll collect feedback on the draft design concepts throughout the fall and winter of 2025. Then, we’ll use that feedback to create a recommended design that we’ll bring back to the public in early 2026.

Earlier this year, we reached out to businesses, gathered input online, and shared information about the future of Minnetonka Boulevard between Vernon and Xylon avenues.

What we heard during Phase 1 engagement

Phase 1 engagement for the Minnetonka Boulevard Reconstruction project took place from May to August 2025. The project team introduced the existing conditions, collected community input on current issues, and explored ideas for the street’s reconstruction.

Four community events were held in Phase 1 at various locations in the neighborhood and near the corridor to gather input for the development of corridor alternatives.

Key themes from this engagement included interest in making Minnetonka Boulevard safer and more multi-modal—creating space for walking, biking, and transit, while still allowing for vehicle traffic and maintaining greenery. Download and view the full engagement summary in the ‘Documents’ section on the right side of the project website.

Pictured above, an open house presented community-driven artistic street renderings for review and discussion.Four community events were held in Phase 1 at various locations in the neighborhood and near the corridor to gather input for the development of corridor alternatives.

Key themes from this engagement included interest in making Minnetonka Boulevard safer and more multi-modal—creating space for walking, biking, and transit, while still allowing for vehicle traffic and maintaining greenery. Download and view the full engagement summary in the ‘Documents’ section on the right side of the project website. Read the phase 1 engagement summary

Bike to Work day

The Minnetonka Boulevard project team will be attending at the St. Louis Park Bike to Work Day events on Friday, September 12. Stop by the bike commuter pit stop from 6:30-9 a.m. at Dakota Park near North Cedar Lake Regional Trail to talk with project The project team will also attend the third annual “Wheelie Fun” community bike ride at 4 p.m., which meets at the Aquila Park playground. More information can be found on the Saint Louis Park webpage here.

Upcoming phase 2 engagement

Later this month we will share information about the upcoming phase 2 open house where draft concept alternatives will be presented to community for public comment. Please check this project site for updates.

Preliminary engagement for the Minnetonka Boulevard Reconstruction project took place in February and March 2025. The project team introduced the project, gathered community feedback on current issues, and explored A listening session during preliminary engagementresidents’ visions for the boulevard’s future.

Key concerns included safety for people who bike and walk, as well as a desire for protected bike lanes, crosswalks, lighting, and improved transit access. Community members also emphasized the need to improve vehicle sightlines and ensure safe access for all road users to support local businesses.

Read the preliminary engagement summary

Project goals

Community feedback during preliminary engagement has shaped the following draft project goals:

• Improve the comfort and ability to travel on Minnetonka Boulevard for all roadway users
• Improve access to regional multimodal networks
• Design a welcoming and slower people-friendly street
• Design the street to complement business shopping and dining for people who walk and bike
• Improve transit access and comfort
• Create a greener and more vibrant streetscape

As the project moves into later phases, community feedback, along with analysis of existing conditions, will contribute to the final design for Minnetonka Boulevard.

Thanks to everyone who shared their input during preliminary engagement. Stay tuned for upcoming in-person and online opportunities to continue sharing your ideas and feedback. We look forward to hearing more from you.

Thank you to those of you who've already provided early feedback to us on your vision for Minnetonka Boulevard. We will have more opportunities for you to provide feedback later in June 2025.