Complete Streets in Minnesota communities
Hwy 24 in Annandale
Background
The City of Annandale was interested in walking environment improvements to better meet the needs of pedestrians in the downtown business corridor. Foot traffic in the area typically increases in the summer, so improvements like wider sidewalks, amenity zones, and curb extensions were included.
Parking and travel lane widths were reduced, contributing to the safety of the roadway. Wide shoulders and low speeds contribute to a comfortable space for bicycling on the corridor.
Complete Streets elements
Lane adjustment
Travel and parking lane widths were reduced, and the overall width of the right of way was reduced from 64 feet to 48 feet to allow for wider sidewalks and amenity zones. Narrower travel lanes help promote slower driving speeds, contributing to a safer roadway by reducing the severity of crashes and shortening crossing distance.
Curb extensions and improved crosswalks
Curb extensions — also called bulb outs or bump outs — extend a small section of sidewalk into the roadway at intersections or at midblock crossings. Curb extensions and high-visibility crosswalks increase road safety and pedestrian comfort by shortening the distance pedestrians have to cross and increasing visibility between drivers and people walking. By visually narrowing the roadway, curb extensions encourage drivers to slow down when approaching the intersection. They also create tighter corner radii, which slow down turning motorists.
Amenity zones
Amenity zones include landscaping and lighting to make the streetscape more pleasant and inviting for people walking.
Before and after
Before
After
Complete Streets themes
Economics
Complete Streets elements provide a more welcoming streetscape for people walking and bicycling through Annandale’s downtown business corridor, bringing increased foot traffic to local businesses. Local business owners have noticed an increase of foot traffic in the downtown business corridor.
Active transportation
Pedestrian infrastructure in downtown and wide shoulders outside the downtown business corridor provide safer places for people to walk and bike through Annandale.
Safety
Narrow travel lanes reduce the speed that vehicles travel through downtown.
Curb extensions and improved crosswalks help increase safety and visibility for people walking across the street.
Collaboration
MnDOT and the City of Annandale worked together to align project timelines and scope, adjusting the scope to accommodate the city’s utility project.
Under the maintenance agreement, the city is responsible for plowing downtown, clearing sidewalks, and maintaining the aesthetic treatments.
Additional example
In 2020, a resurfacing project was completed on Highway 12 in Cokato, MN. To address a safety issue related to two pedestrian fatalities crossing the road, entrance treatments, a raised concrete median, curb extensions, improved crosswalks, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons were added. These treatments improve safety for people walking across the street by slowing vehicle traffic and making the crossing more visible.