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On February 15, 2024 the Edina HRA approved a contract with LHB Inc. to begin a formal study of a potential pedestrian crossing on France Avenue/County Road 17 between Gallagher and Hazelton. The purpose of this study is to build on the general ideas contained in the 2007 URS Study, 2018 Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan and recent brainstorming to more fully vet the feasibility and desirability of a grade-separated pedestrian crossing that links the new public spaces to be created through the private redevelopment of properties on both sides of France Avenue.
The study will consider potential changes to France Avenue/County Road 17 potentially extending from the France/Gallagher intersection to the southern edge of the France/Hazelton intersection. This is the area previously identified in the 2007 URS Study as a desirable location to construct a dedicated bicycle/pedestrian route to connect neighborhoods west of France Avenue to Centennial Lakes and the Edina Promenade.
The study will take 3-4 months to complete at a cost of $80,000. The study will identify the types of changes to France Avenue that are generally acceptable to Hennepin County, the general feel and pedestrian experience when traveling under or over vehicles on France Avenue and the estimated costs of construction. Upon completion of the LHB study, the City and HRA will be better informed so that they can decide whether or not to pursue funding for this public improvement.
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France Avenue looking southbound at 72nd Street (1950s photo)
Background. France Avenue (County Rd 17) has evolved over many generations. In the 1940s and 50s, this was a 2-lane gravel road that led to the France Avenue Dump. In the 1970s and 80s it was one of the more heavily travelled county roads, providing access to Southdale Center and other Edina businesses. Traffic patterns changed dramatically in the 1990s after the Mall of America was built.
In 2023, France Avenue is still a busy thoroughfare that is used by about 27,000 vehicles each day. Many drivers use France Avenue to access jobs, healthcare, shopping and dining. Other drivers use France Avenue to get to their homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.
While the France Avenue roadway is under the jurisdiction of Hennepin County, the City of Edina/Edina HRA is leading this study of a safer and more convenient crossing for pedestrians and bicyclist.
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Edina’s Promenade. In 2007, the City commissioned a study to imagine how the public green space extending north and east from Centennial Lakes Park could be transformed into a dual use trail system with landscaping, streetscaping and public art. This was the foundation for the Edina Promenade system. That study also recommended a bridge over France Avenue to connect the Cornelia neighborhood to the Centennial Lakes Park. At the time with no changes anticipated to the private properties, the bridge idea was not able to be delivered.
Much has changed in this area since 2007. The Nine Mile Creek bike trail was completed. The Promenade was transformed into a linear park with dual trail systems, public art and water features. The 1970’s era Byerly’s site was subdivided with new sidewalks and driving lanes and transformed into the modern Lunds & Byerly’s and 71 France apartment complex. The 1970’s era Dayton's Furniture Gallery (now Macy’s) is under contract to be redeveloped as well. These changes warrant reconsideration for extended pedestrian routes to connect the neighborhoods on both sides of France Avenue.