Work SessionItem 1Outcome pendingYour input welcome
Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Design Update and Council Direction
Council and the Transportation Commission reviewed Hennepin County's preferred design concept for reconstructing Nicollet Avenue from 66th to 77th Streets ahead of planned 2026 construction, with a total estimated cost of $21 million, of which Richfield expects to pay roughly $10 million. Staff sought direction on right-of-way acquisition, raised concrete medians at 74th, 71st and 69th Streets, roundabouts at 76th, 73rd, 70th and 67th Streets, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons before the fourth phase of public engagement begins in June/July 2024.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: $21 million — Total estimated cost of the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction project
Potential benefit
The redesign brings safer walking and biking infrastructure, wider sidewalks, and more greenery along a major Richfield corridor.
Concern to consider
Some residents face property/easement acquisitions, restricted driveway access, and roughly $10 million in city cost participation.
What happens next: Staff will incorporate Council and Commission feedback into the design, hold a fourth public open house in June/July 2024, and bring the project to the City Council for approval in late summer/early fall 2024 ahead of Hennepin County's planned 2026 construction.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
Work SessionItem 2Discussed
External Grant Funding Update for Transportation Projects
Staff planned to brief the City Council and Transportation Commission on the status of ongoing pursuits for external grant funding and pending applications supporting city transportation projects. No specific grant amounts or award outcomes were detailed in the available materials.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Successful grants could offset local costs for upcoming transportation projects.
Concern to consider
Grant funding levels and timing remain uncertain until formally awarded.
What happens next: Staff will continue pursuing external funding applications and report back on results as decisions are made.
Sources: Work Session minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 4Outcome pending
Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Project Discussion
At a joint City Council and Transportation Commission meeting, Hennepin County and consulting staff presented the preliminary design for the Nicollet Avenue reconstruction, which featured a 3-lane corridor with one-way cycle tracks, sidewalks, roundabouts at 67th, 70th, 73rd, and 76th Streets, and right-in/right-out intersections at 69th, 71st, and 74th Streets. Public engagement across three phases indicated strong community support for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, speed management, and green boulevards. Council and Commission members discussed pedestrian crossing improvements, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), and slip ramps for cyclists, with staff noting that enhancements beyond county warrants would be funded entirely by the city.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Part of an ongoing matter · 2 related discussions →
Key figure: City share <50% — City's anticipated cost participation in Nicollet Avenue project (exact percentage not yet negotiated)
Potential benefit
The proposed design prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle safety through cycle tracks, tabled crossings, and roundabouts that are intended to reduce vehicle speeds along the corridor. The layout also accounts for future bus rapid transit service, potentially improving long-term transit options for residents.
Concern to consider
Costs for pedestrian infrastructure beyond Hennepin County standards would fall 100% on the city. Some commissioners raised concerns about the reconstruction sequence, noting Penn Avenue's condition may warrant earlier attention, and questions remain about emergency vehicle access through right-in/right-out intersections.
What happens next: Council and Commission members were invited to submit additional feedback via email to Transportation Engineer Hardegger. Further discussion on RRFBs, slip ramps, and cost-sharing for city-requested enhancements is expected as design advances. The Hennepin County Capital Improvement Plan, expected in fall 2024, may also include related Penn Avenue planning.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 5Discussed
External Grant Funding Update
Transportation Engineer Hardegger reported that the city submitted $26.4 million in grant applications to federal and state agencies, including a $10 million request to the state legislature. The city's Reconnecting Communities application was unsuccessful but is planned for resubmission, while five projects submitted to the Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation were pending announcement in July 2024. Staff projected receiving $5–6 million in state and federal funding for 2023-submitted projects, requiring a $1.4 million city match.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Key figure: $26.4 million — Total grant applications submitted to federal and state agencies
Potential benefit
Securing external grants reduces the burden on local taxpayers for major infrastructure projects. The city also received a $586,000 grant for permanent safety improvements near the STEM school and a design assistance grant for school-area intersections, delivering near-term safety benefits.
Concern to consider
Grant outcomes are uncertain — the Reconnecting Communities application was denied, and Regional Solicitation results were not yet final. If fewer grants are awarded, the city may need to increase local funding or defer projects.
What happens next: Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation results were expected to be announced in July 2024. The Reconnecting Communities application was planned for resubmission at a reduced scope. The 73rd Street Bridge project was submitted to the Congressional Appropriations Committee through Rep. Omar's office, with outcomes pending.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 6Discussed
Project Updates: Sidewalk and Street Improvements
Transportation Engineer Hardegger reported that sidewalk construction on 71st Street outside STEM/RDLS was set to begin in mid-June 2024, with pedestrian ramp construction at Richfield Parkway and 66th Street to follow. Civil Engineer Wycklendt noted that striping on 65th Street was complete, with only landscaping restoration remaining.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Near-term construction milestones indicate active progress on pedestrian infrastructure improvements, particularly near schools and major intersections.
Concern to consider
Sidewalk and ramp construction will cause temporary disruption to pedestrians and nearby residents during the summer construction season.
What happens next: Sidewalk construction on 71st Street was expected to begin mid-June 2024, followed by pedestrian ramp work at Richfield Parkway and 66th Street. Landscaping restoration on 65th Street was the final remaining task for that project.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗
City CouncilItem 8Approved
July 3rd Transportation Commission Meeting Cancellation
The Transportation Commission voted unanimously to cancel its July 3rd, 2024 meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Wednesday, August 7th, 2024.
Approved (unanimous)
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Potential benefit
Canceling the July 3rd meeting avoids a low-attendance session over the Independence Day holiday period, ensuring more productive future meetings.
Concern to consider
A one-month gap in Transportation Commission meetings means no formal public forum for transportation issues during July 2024.
What happens next: The next Transportation Commission meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, August 7th, 2024.
Sources: City Council minutes (city portal) ↗