Transportation CommissionItem 4.aDiscussed
Approval of April 29, 2026 Transportation Commission Minutes
The Commission was scheduled to approve minutes from its April 29, 2026 meeting, which covered the Nicollet Avenue construction preview, Penn Avenue Open House 3 material review, sidewalk project updates, and the Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Approved minutes create an official public record of prior discussions on Penn Avenue, Nicollet Avenue, and sidewalk projects.
Concern to consider
This is a routine record-keeping step with no direct impact on residents.
What happens next: The Commission votes to approve the April 29, 2026 minutes at the July 1 meeting.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Transportation CommissionItem 5.aOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Penn Avenue Reconstruction - Open House 3 Follow-Up and Design Preferences
Staff presented results from the third Penn Avenue open house (63 in-person attendees) and an online survey (531 responses as of June 18, 2026) showing 70% support for a one-way cycle track bikeway and roundabout preferences of 70% at 64th Street, 78% at 69th Street, and 54% at 75th Street, with mixed support for closed medians (6% in-person vs. 50-60% online). The Commission discussed intersection control, bikeway configuration, and other design features before Hennepin County finalizes a full project layout, with the online survey remaining open through July 10, 2026.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
Survey data shows strong resident preference (70-78%) for roundabouts and a one-way cycle track along Penn Avenue, which could improve safety at 64th, 69th, and 75th Streets.
Concern to consider
Final design, including whether medians are closed at minor intersections, will affect driveway and cross-street access for residents and businesses along the corridor.
What happens next: The Phase 3 online survey closes July 10, 2026; a City Council work session on cost participation items is set for July 28, 2026; Hennepin County will seek a Commission recommendation and Council concurrence on a final layout in October 2026, with Open House #4 planned for August 19, 2026.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Transportation CommissionItem 5.bOutcome pending
69th Street Safety and Utility Improvements Project - Introduction
Staff introduced the 69th Street Safety and Utility Improvements project, a full reconstruction including storm sewer replacement from Xerxes to Penn Avenue, prompted by an aging trunk storm line and known flooding near Sheridan and Russell Avenues. The roadway carries roughly 2,800-2,900 vehicles per day with a median speed of 32 mph, and construction is tentatively planned for 2028 following a late-fall 2027 bid opening.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
The project would replace a storm sewer trunk line at the end of its useful life and address known flooding along Sheridan and Russell Avenues, while adding a sidewalk retrofit from Xerxes to Penn Avenue.
Concern to consider
Construction won't begin until 2028, meaning current flooding and safety issues along 69th Street will persist for at least two more years while design and engagement proceed.
What happens next: Field investigation and topographic survey begin July/August 2026, followed by Open House #1 in August 2026, with additional open houses through early 2027 before a tentative late fall 2027 bid opening and 2028 construction.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Transportation CommissionItem 6.aDiscussed
City Staff Updates
City staff were scheduled to provide routine updates to the Transportation Commission on ongoing transportation projects and initiatives.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Regular staff updates keep residents informed about the status of transportation projects around the city.
Concern to consider
No specific project details were included in the agenda for this update.
What happens next: Staff updates continue at the next scheduled Commission meeting on August 5, 2026.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Transportation CommissionItem 6.bDiscussed
Liaison Updates
Commission liaisons, including a City Council representative, were scheduled to share updates relevant to transportation issues in Richfield.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Liaison reports connect the Commission's work with City Council, schools, and community bike/walk advocacy groups.
Concern to consider
No specific liaison update content was detailed in the agenda.
What happens next: Liaison updates continue at future Commission meetings.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Transportation CommissionItem 7.aDiscussed
Future Agenda Items for August 2026
The Commission planned to discuss Penn Avenue design work with Hennepin County and hold the first 69th Street open house at its August 2026 meeting.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Sets up continued public discussion of two major corridor projects affecting travel through Richfield.
Concern to consider
Specific August agenda details, including exact dates, were not yet finalized.
What happens next: The Commission will discuss Penn Avenue design (with Hennepin County) and hold the first 69th Street open house at its August 2026 meeting.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Transportation CommissionItem 8Discussed
Upcoming Transportation Commission Meetings and Events
The Commission listed upcoming events including the 2026 Bike Tour on July 29, 2026, a regular meeting on August 5, 2026, Penn Avenue Open House #4 on August 19, 2026 at St. Richard's Catholic Church, and a 69th Street open house in August 2026 with details still to be determined.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Provides residents multiple upcoming opportunities to engage on transportation projects, including two open houses and a community bike tour.
Concern to consider
Some event details, including the 69th Street open house date, time, and location, remain unconfirmed.
What happens next: These meetings and events proceed on their listed dates through August 2026.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Transportation CommissionItem 9.aOutcome pending
2026 Bike Tour Route Discussion
The Commission discussed the route for the upcoming 2026 Bike Tour, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with the exact time and location still to be determined.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
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Potential benefit
A community bike tour offers residents a free, guided way to explore Richfield's bike infrastructure.
Concern to consider
Route, time, and location details were still being finalized as of this meeting.
What happens next: The bike tour is held Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with time and location to be announced.
Sources: Transportation Commission agenda (city portal) ↗