France Avenue Pedestrian Crossing

A Feasibility Report was commissioned by the Edina HRA to refine the general concept of a pedestrian crossing. The scope of the study focused on an underpass. If the underpass appeared to be infeasible, an over-the road bridge would be studied instead. The Report evaluated the general design, engineering, environmental and regulatory constraints of an underpass at a conceptual level. The Report also identified possible funding sources. The consultants provided updates to the HRA Board in summer 2024 as they worked toward completion of this report.

The report is included under the "Documents" tab on the right. The report authors reached the conclusion that "... a grade-separated crossing below France Avenue is feasible from an engineering, constructability, and urban design perspective, and can be feasibly constructed to accommodate the various site challenges and improve connectivity between neighborhoods."

On November 19, 2024, the City Council authorized staff to study the possible design of underpass concept further and investigate possible funding from external sources to supplement local funds.

Additional ideas and input regarding a potential pedestrian crossing at this location will be sought from the community in 2025.

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.

Kick off - The City is studying the concept of a new pedestrian and bicycle route that spans France Avenue near Gallagher Drive and 72nd Street. This is a preliminary concept study intended to collect ideas and identify an option that could be given further consideration. At this time, funding has not been identified to fully design or construct any particular improvement.

Two privately owned commercial properties (7200/7250 and 7235 France Ave) are likely to be redeveloped and rebuilt in the near future. View the most recent plans for the privately constructed projects here:

• Approved site plan for 7200/7250 France
• NEW 2024 Approved site plan for 7235 France

If rezoned and rebuilt, City policy requires each site to include new public spaces with sidewalks, landscaping and streetscaping to create a more walkable and welcoming environment (aka the “public realm”). With both sites being designed at the same time, there is a rare opportunity for the City to look ahead at a new and improved pedestrian crossing on France Avenue.

Your feedback is welcome to better understand how this type of infrastructure project could improve the quality of life for people that live and work in Edina. Please share your initial thoughts and ideas by Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Nine examples of multi-lane road pedestrian crossings have been identified including crosswalks, tunnels and bridges. Some examples are from Minnesota, while others are in other U.S. and European cities.

• View all of the examples in the "Project Update/Examples" section.
• Review the City's relevant planning documents that set the context for this study in the "Documents" section.
• Share your thoughts and ideas using the tools on this page.

Nine examples identified. There are many different ways to cross busy multi-lane roads. Nine examples have been identified so far. Some examples are in Minnesota, while others are in other US and European cities.

These examples have not been fully vetted and may not be feasible from a financial perspective, construction perspective or based on impacts to adjacent properties or right of way.

Please provide your additional ideas or examples under the "Ideas" tab.

1. Traditional Crosswalk - The lowest cost example provides pedestrian access but also includes potential conflicts between pedestrians and drivers. This example with creative markings is next to Southpark Mall in Charlotte, NC. Relative Cost $
2. Tunnel - Box culverts and arched structures are frequently incorporated into designs of new roadways to allow pedestrians and bicyclists cross without conflicts with vehicles. Relative Cost $$
3. Tunnel leading to outdoor plaza - some tunnels terminate in an outdoor plaza that can be programmed and activated to improve the feeling of safety and security. This example is in downtown Shakopee. A similar outdoor plaza is on Michigan Ave in Chicago. Relative Cost $$
4. Bridge with ramp - Overhead bridges have been installed across busy roadways for many years. Some older bridges are not comfortable. Some newer bridges can be more creative to appeal to pedestrians. The existing examples span Hwy 62 and Hwy 100 in Edina. Other examples are from around the world. Relative Cost $$
5. Bridge with elevator - Some bridges include stairs and elevators (as an alternate to ramps) to ensure that people who are unable to use stairs can still have access to the bridge crossing. This example is in Denver CO. Relative Cost $$
6. Bridge connecting two buildings - In 2017 an architect suggested a bridge to connect two future buildings on France Ave. That proposal was withdrawn by the owner and not formally considered by the City. Relative Cost $$
7. Land Bridge - A landscaped bridge can be used to span a busy road and create a separate route for pedestrians and bicyclists Relative Cost $$$
8. At Grade Crossing with separation of local and regional traffic - The most transformational and probably the most expensive example. Some cities separate fast moving traffic from slower moving local traffic using a "split level" roadway design. This increases pedestrian comfort when crossing the street and expediates vehicles that are moving "through" the district. This example is DuPont Circle in Washington DC. Relative Cost $$$$
9. Underpass - Wider routes are provided to create a better sense of safety and security for users. Examples are at Centennial Lakes and Promenade at York Ave. Relative Cost $$

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.

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.

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.