France Avenue Pedestrian Crossing

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.

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.