Terry White is a regular contributor. He is also the author of the Better Minneapolis newsletter and podcast. He lives in Field.
Hennepin County officials presented their latest design proposal for Lyndale Avenue at a Sept. 10 open house, but many attendees voiced concerns about the plan.
The event, held at SpringHouse Ministry Center, showcased the county’s proposed reconstruction of Lyndale Avenue between Franklin Avenue and 31st Street. The corridor, last rebuilt in the 1930s, is slated for a full overhaul of the roadway, lighting, sidewalks and underground utilities. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
Since August 2023, when feedback collection began, the county has logged more than 43,000 comments.
Much of the discussion has centered on competing priorities. Business owners in the corridor have pushed for preserving parking and vehicle access, while bicycle and pedestrian advocates have called for dedicated bike and bus lanes.
The county’s compromise design has drawn criticism from both sides.
One of the most disputed features is a shared-use path planned for the east side of the avenue, intended for both bicycles and pedestrians. Many cyclists favor the “orange” option, which would add a two-way bikeway from 29th Street to the north end of the corridor and remove parking on the east side to make room for a dedicated bus lane from 24th Street northward. Supporters wore orange clothing at the open house to signal their preference, though only about a quarter of attendees appeared to do so.
Other options previously considered included the “blue” plan, which featured a two-way bikeway but no transit lane, and the “purple” plan, which proposed a bus lane but no bikeway.
Another point of contention is a concrete median planned for the intersection at 29th Street. The design would block northbound drivers from turning left there, requiring them to detour to 26th Street. Attendees also raised concerns about potential parking loss from wider boulevards and large corner bump-outs.
According to the county’s website, the project will bring “safety and accessibility upgrades, more green space, and better transit experiences. For businesses, there will still be parking available and curbside space that allows for deliveries, patios and rideshare pick-up and drop-off.”
The county is continuing to seek public input.
Officials noted that Lyndale Avenue is a major city corridor, and changes will affect the success of Lowry Hill East, Whittier and Uptown for years to come.
Plans and comment forms are available at beheardhennepin.org/ lyndale-avenue
Attendees review Hennepin County’s proposed Lyndale Avenue reconstruction plan during a Sept. 10 open house and at Open Streets, where many voiced concerns about the design. (Images: Terry White)
