Check out the proposed plan for improving intersection of East Minnehaha Parkway and 50th Street

Posted on 1 October, 2021

Project was top priority of Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plan approved last November

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is working on a project to improve the intersection of E Minnehaha Parkway and E 50th Street and the adjacent trail to increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The project was identified as the top priority of the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plan, which involved more than two years of community engagement, discussion and design. The Master Plan was approved by MPRB Commissioners in November 2020.

Proposed Improvements

  • Upgrading crosswalk markings, expanding curb ramps and installing a raised crossing on the south side of the intersection where the trails cross.
  • Widening the bike and pedestrian trail south of E Minnehaha Parkway between E 50th Street and Portland Avenue, and along Minnehaha Creek south of the intersection.
    • To provide more space for boulevard tree roots and improve trail quality, the trail segment between E 50th Street and Portland Avenue will be reconstructed farther south, but will remain entirely within MPRB property.
  • Reworking E Minnehaha Parkway just south of E 50th Street to create an aligned 3-way stop, which will create a safer and user friendly experience for all modes.
    • The parking bay immediately south of the intersection will need to be removed to preserve as many healthy and mature trees as possible, .
  • Converting E Minnehaha Parkway frontage roads to one-way streets to calm traffic and improve safety at intersections.
  • Other possible improvements include installing medians on E 50th Street and Portland Avenue to help direct traffic flow on the frontage roads. Per the Master Plan, vehicle flow will remain continuous on the main Parkway road.

View Schematic Design

The MPRB plans to bid the project over Winter 2021-22 and have the work performed throughout Spring-Summer 2022.

Virtual Open House

Please join project staff to learn more about upcoming improvements planned for E Minnehaha Parkway and E 50th Street during a Virtual Community Open House on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 6-7:30 pm.

The meeting will include a walk through of the schematic design by project staff followed by time for questions. Use the link below to join the meeting:

Join Virtual Open House