FAQs 2025
Why consider this idea now?
This concept is interwoven through the two adjacent properties that are being fully rebuilt. With the reconstruction of the sites at 7200-7250 and 7235 France occurring 2025-2028, this is the approximate window to include this type of public infrastructure project.
Why an underpass instead of a bridge?
The City initially studied several options to improve the pedestrian connectivity in this area.
An under-the-road option is preferred in order to avoid excessively long ramps that would clutter the street level environment. The existing grades in this location simplify the design and usability of an under-the-road design.
Excerpts from the 2007, 2023 and 2024 studies that considered an over-the-road bridge are posted in the "Documents 2025" section below.
Appendix B-11 of the 2024 Feasibility Report illustrates the extent of overhead bridges and ramps needed to span the roads and private driveways while complying with accessibility standards.
Why build this at this location?
The block between Gallagher & 72nd provides convenient access for neighborhoods on both sides of France Ave. The adjacent neighborhoods have the highest population density in Edina, including many children and many senior citizens.
What is the estimated cost of this underpass concept?
The November 2024 Feasibility Report (pages 17-18 and Appendix Figure A-10) estimated the probable cost to be approximately $20 million. This estimate is preliminary using a conservative approach to avoid unexpected cost increases. The cost estimate includes the following elements:
$ 6.9 M - roadway reconstruction with underpass, retaining walls and sidewalks
$1.2 M - utility improvements
$3.0 M - parkway hardscape and landscape
$1.0 M – traffic control & phasing
$12.1 M – sub-total of construction costs
+ $2.4 M – contingency (20%)
+ $5.1 M – design, engineering, financing, administration (35%)
$19.58 M – total estimated cost
The estimate amount includes costs that are the responsibility of the private developers, utility providers and the City.
Who will pay for this type of project?
If the City decides to move forward with this concept, funding from several sources will be pursued.
Transportation funding will be sought from federal, state, Met. Council and county programs. The 2024 Feasibility Study (p 18) includes a list of possible funding programs that can be pursued.
Local funds will come from the new property taxes generated by the new construction projects built on both sides of France Avenue. With multiple funding sources available, it is very likely that this project can be constructed without impact to the property tax levy.
Does this design comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
This initial concept is modeled using slopes and grades that meet accessibility standards. Accessible routes are anticipated on both sides of France Avenue.
This potential project is still in the concept stage. Thus, it is premature to have full details of the accessible routes that will be incorporated into a final design.
There are multiple accessibility standards that will be considered as this concept evolves - the ADA (federal legislation), Minnesota Accessibility Code and the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). The details of each standard can vary as they apply to different aspects of the project. During the future preliminary and final engineering stages, the engineers will be tasked with identifying the applicable accessibility standard(s) and designing a route that is accessible and usable to all people.