The lakes and trails are alive with joyful summer activity in Minneapolis, and nowhere is that more evident than on the newly reopened Kenilworth Trail, which returned to public use this year after seven years of Green Line Extension construction.
But some users say changes to the intersection at Cedar Lake Parkway, Burnham Road and the converging Kenilworth and Cedar Lake trails have created potential safety concerns in this busy recreational corridor.
Since the trail was last open, traffic patterns have evolved and urban trails like those that converge near Cedar South Beach have become more multi-modal.
In addition to traditional bicycles, the area now sees electric bicycles, scooters and other micromobility devices. Pedestrians, many with dogs, share the space with beachgoers and kayakers heading to Cedar Lake South Beach.
Freight trains occasionally pass through the corridor, temporarily backing up vehicle traffic on Cedar Lake Parkway.
Burnham Road provides the only direct vehicle access from the west to portions of the Hill & Lake Press area without adding several miles of travel. Residents say some trail users are unaware that eastbound motorists must turn left onto Burnham when there is a break in oncoming traffic. Drivers heading west on Cedar Lake Parkway can also have difficulty seeing cyclists approaching from the Kenilworth Trail when turning right onto Burnham.
Before the reconstruction, stop signs encouraged trail users crossing Burnham Road to slow down and remain alert. Those signs have not been replaced.
Concerns about the configuration were raised with the Metropolitan Council’s Green Line Extension office and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board as early as December 2025.
When contacted recently, Minneapolis City Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer responded promptly and acknowledged concerns about safety at the intersection. She referred the matter to Minneapolis Public Works and noted that the multiple jurisdictions involved add complexity to any changes.
As summer activity peaks, residents hope officials will take a fresh look at the intersection before a serious crash occurs.
Keeping pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and other trail users moving safely would help ensure that this popular destination continues to be known for all kinds of summer fun.
Jeanette Colby writes for the Hill & Lake Press. She lives in Kenwood.
