What is the Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange Project?

    This joint effort between the City of Edina, Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation will improve safety and mobility throughout the Grandview District by upgrading roads, bridges and pedestrian infrastructure. 

    How much does the project cost and how is it funded?

    The total project cost is estimated at $28.2 million. The City of Edina’s share is about $15.49 million, supported by $4.21 million in secured federal funding. Hennepin County is contributing about $12.42 million, with $7 million in secured federal funding. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is contributing $300,000 and in-kind construction administration, inspection, surveying and material testing services.
     Table showing the March 13, 2025, low bid project cost estimate for the Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange Project. Total estimated project cost is $28,202,650, with funding broken down into two categories: Federal Funding and City, County, State Funding. Federal Funding totals $11,213,200, contributed by Hennepin County ($7,000,000) and the City of Edina ($4,213,200). City, County, and State Funding totals $16,989,450, contributed by Hennepin County ($5,416,250), the City of Edina ($11,273,200), and MnDOT ($300,000). Final total contributions are: Hennepin County – $12,416,250; City of Edina – $15,486,400; MnDOT – $300,000.

    Completing the project in one year rather than in two separate construction seasons will reduce overall traffic disruption and costs.

    What improvements are being made?

    Improvements include: 
     
    Replacing two bridges: the Vernon Avenue Bridge over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad and the Minnesota Highway 100 Bridge over Highway 100. The Vernon Avenue Bridge will be widened and raised to meet railroad clearance requirements, and the new Highway 100 Bridge will provide space for pedestrian and traffic improvements. 
     
    Adjacent to Highway 100, redundant on- and off-ramps will be removed and replaced with a standard tight diamond interchange to improve traffic flow, and a new noise wall will be added to reduce traffic noise for nearby residents in the Sunnyslope Neighborhood. 
     
    Across the project area, the addition of wider sidewalks, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, traffic signals with audible crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands and new turn lanes will create safer and more efficient travel for all users. 
     
    These upgrades continue the City’s recent work to better connect residential and commercial areas in the Grandview District. 

    A full list of planned improvements can be found in the “Changes to be made” section within the project summary on this page. 

    When is construction happening?

    Construction began the week of April 21, 2025, and is expected to wrap up by mid-November 2025. Vernon Avenue will close between Interlachen Boulevard/Gus Young Lane and the Highway 100 northbound on-ramps beginning April 23. 

    How will traffic be affected during the project?

    View closures and detours by construction stage using the interactive map for this project. Image versions of the detour maps will be posted on this page under the Documents section as they become available.

    In Stage 1 (April 23 to Late Summer), Vernon Avenue is closed to thru traffic between Interlachen Boulevard/Gus Young Lane and the Highway 100 northbound on-ramps. The detour is Eden Avenue. The Highway 100 ramps are expected to remain open during this portion of the project, unless otherwise modified. 
     
    Stage (Early Summer to Early Fall) will have very similar traffic control measures, except that the intersection of Interlachen Boulevard and Vernon Avenue will be built in phases to ensure one lane always remains open. The Highway 100 ramps are expected to remain open during this portion of the project, unless otherwise modified. 
     
    Stage (Early Fall to Late Fall) is expected to be the most disruptive for residents and businesses, with most Highway 100 on- and off-ramps at Vernon and 50th closed and longer detours in place. This stage is divided into two parts: 

    • Stage 3A: The southbound off-ramp and all northbound on-ramps will be closed. Detour routes will direct traffic to Highway 62. 

    • Stage 3B: The northbound off-ramp will be closed, with a detour via Excelsior Boulevard. 

    Throughout the project, clear signage and local detours will ensure continued access for those navigating the Grandview District and surrounding areas, including businesses in the Grandview and 50th & France districts.

    Will access to businesses be maintained?

    Yes! Please continue to support our local businesses. Local detours and signage will ensure continued access to Grandview and 50th & France businesses throughout all stages of construction.

    What resources are available for area businesses?

    The City of Edina values its businesses and is committed to supporting them throughout the project. An online landing page through Mailchimp has been set up for businesses to view communication options and sign up for business-specific emails at EdinaMN.gov/Highway100-Business. Resources to help businesses communicate changes to employees and customers (informational flyers, signs and social media graphics) have been added to this page in the Documents section.

    How can I stay informed about the project?

    The City of Edina is committed to minimizing disruptions by keeping residents, businesses and the traveling public informed throughout construction. 
     
    On this page, you’ll find: 

    • Frequent project updates 

    • Detour maps  

    • A schedule for online project talks, held every other Thursday at 11 a.m. 

    • Signup form for project email updates 

    • Resources for businesses

    Major traffic changes will also be shared through press releases and on the City’s social media channels. 
     
    Businesses in the area can sign up for business-specific communication options at EdinaMN.gov/Highway100-Business. 

    Text Notifications With Urgent Updates
    Text messages will be sent when there are urgent updates about the Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange Project, including any unexpected changes or disruptions that may affect nearby residents or businesses.

    Local Residents:
    To get text updates, text HIGHWAY100-RESIDENT to 844-929-4328
    (All one word, no spaces and include the hyphen.)

    Area Businesses:
    To get text updates, text HIGHWAY100-BUSINESS to 844-929-4328
    (All one word, no spaces and include the hyphen.)

    What are Online Project Talks and how can I join?

    Online project talks are a way to stay connected with construction progress and ask questions directly to City staff. These meetings are hosted every other Thursday at 11 a.m. by City of Edina Director of Engineering Chad Millner and will continue until the project is complete. Each session includes construction updates and time for public Q&A. 
     
    Anyone interested in the project, including residents, businesses and visitors, is welcome to attend. 
     
    The project talk schedule is listed on this page. When it’s time for a project talk, visit EdinaMN.gov/Highway100Talks to participate. The talks will be held online through Microsoft Teams. No account is required, and you can join as a guest.

    Who can I contact with questions?

    Reach out to City of Edina Director of Engineering Chad Millner at cmillner@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0318.