Initial Study - Nine Examples (September 2023)

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:

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 $$

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