Background and Context

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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