Contract for Additional Study Approved (February 2024)

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.