Wooddale Avenue Bridge Project

Edina's Existing and Proposed Bicycle Facilities Map (https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5024/Proposed-Bicycle-Facilities-PDF) proposes a buffered bike lane in this section of Wooddale Avenue. Any reconstruction of the bridge should ensure that a buffered bike lane can be installed on the bridge to accomodate that plan. I often bike over this bridge with my kids and would love it if we could feel more protected from car traffic.

This bridge has captured the hearts of many of us in Edina. It's scale and stone give it a welcoming appearance. If the new bridge is widened to accommodate wider sidewalks plus bike paths, the scale will no longer be similar to what now exists. I suspect it will be equivalent to adding another lane of traffic to the width. To minimize the new width, could the sidewalks be similar to the new ones on 58th that accommodate both bikes and pedestrians? A drawing that compares the existing and the new proposed options would be valuable to help people understand what they might end up with.

I agree with another comment that during the construction process there needs to be some type of temporary pedestrian bridge over the creek near Wooddale Ave. There are no close alternatives to walk around the bridge site.

The charm and beauty of this bridge is truly exceptional, and it evokes a sense of the Scottish heritage of Edina. We obviously need a safe bridge, but we should take all reasonable steps to preserve the look and feel of the current bridge. To do anything less would be a true loss.

I am all for restoring the bridge for modern use and pedestrian safety while preserving the beauty of the structure.

I am starting to look at the proposal for the Wooddale bridge. It seems from the web page that the bridge would essentially be rebuilt.

A couple of threshold questions for me: is the bridge deficient, and what is the record of accidents on the bridge? There is no sense building an ugly monster to address problems that don’t exist.

I saw one comment about raising the bridge to make it easier to canoe under. If the water is too high to canoe under the bridge, it’s probably too fast to be canoeing, anyway. Plus, you’d have to re-engineer the approaches at ruinous expense.

Lastly, it is a historic bridge, one of the most beautiful in Edina. St. Stephens and the bridge are part of a set. It would be a shame to ruin the aesthetics.

Thanks Steve Timmer
(Received by email from a resident, entered by Liz Moore, Engineering Admin Coordinator)

I am supportive of this project to address safety concerns as long as the final look/feel of the bridge is maintained using identical (or almost identical) outward appearing materials. It is the welcome bridge into the neighborhood and a very special feature that must be maintained.

I hope when the bridge is replaced for safety and accessibility, which I support, that the original design will be replicated as much as possible and, most importantly, that real stone will be used for the facings - as opposed to a manufactured product which is probably more economical. I am a homeowner of 32 years in the next block and the bridge is on a regular route for me walking and biking.

I strongly support preservation and restoration of the historic bridge, the National Register exists to protect historic places, and if we optimized for functionality we would have lost many historical sites and monuments around our country—cities like Boston, Charleston, Savannah, and Washington D.C. would have been razed in favor of traffic patterns. The bridge is a special and unique part of Edina history, and has always felt like coming home to me every time I drive over it (have lived in the neighborhood over 25 years)

Sounds like a great improvement to safety! Would be great to keep the pretty historic look in the process.

I drive down Wooddale Ave almost daily and support the reconstruction of the bridge while maintaining historical integrity.

The project seems to be focused on reconstruction however given the amount of pedestrian traffic, I would hope that sidewalks, bike lanes, and at least a consideration of walking underpass would be considered. The number of children riding their bikes up/down Wooddale Avenue is extremely dangerous in the current state and it would be a shame if a more dramatic solution wasn't explored given the scope of the project.

Hi! If you do replace it, I hope the process of doing so takes into account pedestrians during the process. I live at 5111 and no longer have a car but walk to Vet Memorial to sit and read in sun, walk north to my daughter's place in Country Club and walk to the vill a lot to get groceries, etc., but wouldn't want to have to walk south to the circle around Arden etc. in order to go north to those places. :-) I also should say I love the design of the bridge and think you should not deviate from that. Burton Hanson

(Received by email from a resident, entered by Liz Moore, Engineering Admin Coordinator)

I drive over that bridge often. Yes it is narrow and at times treacherous to have 2 large vehicles crossing simultaneously

Separate crossings for automobiles from pedestrians and or bikes could be a safer option. I guess this structure would look like an upgraded bridge w adjoining bike and pedestrian path. Not ideal but user friendly and promotes walking and riding.

The tunnel connecting Lake Calhoun to Lake of the Isles is another option as it brings the residents down to eye level w the creek to enjoy the natural setting. Above would be the auto traffic

Would like to see more native habitat planted around the bridge. Maybe wood duck and swallow houses.

(Received by email from a resident, entered by Liz Moore, Engineering Admin Coordinator)

A wider bridge will increase traffic cutting through area neighborhoods. Is there a mitigation plan?

LOL “ the narrow deck is inadequate to safely accommodate pedestrians and bicycles.” Then why did you rebuild Wyman Avenue so narrow that it’s almost a one lane street? It is the most dangerous street in Edina for bicycles and cars.

That said, why not hire skilled stone masons to rebuild the limestone railings and head wall, using new stones that are exactly the same size as old old crumbling stones? Hopefully would result in a carbon-copy of the old bridge, but up to modern standards.

Fix the bridge as noted

Focus should be on function and durability, not spending a lot of extra $ to mimic the old bridge. As others have suggested, install a sign or marker to pay homage to original bridge. Thanks.

I understand the need to save the bridge from crumbling and make it carry pedestrians and bicycles. I hope the design and materials can as much as possibloe mimic the old arch shape and the look of the limestone.

Any and all efforts should be taken to maintain the historical integrity of this Nationally recognized historical resource, while at the same time completing restoration efforts to uphold community safety. Edina's history is at an impasse with massive new development projects, it is essential to maintain our historical resources now before it is all lost.

I cross that bridge multiple times a day and think it is lovely. When it is replaced I would hope that any new design would keep the historic look while maintaining safety and accessibility for all users. Perhaps some of the old limestone could be incorporated into the design on or near the site.