Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska-Harriet Trail and Access Improvements Update

Project includes rehabilitated pedestrian and bike trail and new ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps around both lakes

Construction begins soon on the Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska-Harriet Trail and Access Improvements project. After Memorial Day, trail users may notice workers mobilizing equipment around both Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska.

Trail work will start near southeast Harriet, where the connection between Minnehaha Creek Trail and Lake Harriet Trail will be improved with a new off-road bicycle path connecting to a raised crossing at Lake Harriet Parkway.

This summer approximately 50 ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps will be installed around the two lakes and some bike and pedestrian trail will be repaved. The amount of bike and pedestrian trail rehabilitation is subject to ongoing budget constraints and pending grant opportunities.

Construction Impacts

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board plans to maintain complete trail loops around both lakes throughout construction; however, trail users should anticipate detours and trail congestion while work takes place.

The Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska Boat Launch will be closed Aug. 21-Sept. 8 due to trail construction.

Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska-Harriet Master Plan

This project is part of the first round of improvements identified in the Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska-Harriet Master Plan, which was approved by MPRB Commissioners on May 3, 2017.

The final version of the Master Plan keeps the Lake Street underpass open to bicycles and pedestrians and includes plans to improve the at-grade crossing at the intersection of W Lake Street, Lagoon Avenue and East Calhoun Parkway. The at-grade crossing is in the final stages of design and collaboration between the MPRB, City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Construction on that project is expected to begin in the fall.

Other improvements included in the Master Plan are contingent on future funding. Some of those plans are converting the Lower Road of Lake Harriet Parkway (east side of lake) to a two-way bicycle trail, relocating the bicycle trail to the perimeter of the Bandshell area and building a land bridge over West Lake Street between Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles.