Edina staff outline design, cost and safety tradeoffs for Rosslyn Park pedestrian bridge

Public‑works staff told the United City Council on Sept. 16 that design refinements and MnDOT safety direction have raised questions about materials, detailing and cost for the Rosslyn Park pedestrian bridge over Highway 62. Director Milner said state reviewers would not permit wood cladding over the state trunk highway because wood panels and their fasteners could become projectiles if struck; staff now proposes welded steel cladding painted to match the design intent. Milner said the welded cladding eases inspection and reduces maintenance complexity compared with wood panels. Staff presented five cost options and a range of estimated project totals (construction plus indirect costs): - Base bridge and ramps, no cladding, no stairs: estimated construction cost $5,660,000; with indirects $7,160,000. - Base plus cladding on the bridge span only: estimated total about $7,400,000. - Base plus cladding on bridge and ramps (full cladding): estimated total about $7,780,000. - Options adding pedestrian stairs at the north and/or south ramps increase costs further (north stairs ≈ $300,000, south ≈ $420,000); staff cautioned MnDOT typically does not provide or maintain stairs on state facilities. Milner said the existing $6 million state allocation would not cover many of the cladding/alternate scenarios; staff intends to continue value engineering, submit alternates in the bid package, and ask MnDOT for further funding or design flexibility. The team plans to advance final bridge plans and seek MnDOT approvals this winter so bids can be sought in early 2026 and construction performed in 2026 if funding and bids align. Design and safety considerations - MnDOT asked for a bridge height and detailing that minimize the risk of falling debris striking traffic; welded steel cladding and changes to cladding height were presented in response. - The proposed deck is 10 feet wide; MnDOT guidance prefers 12 feet for multiuse paths but staff explained widening the deck would increase fabrication and shipping complexity (the bridge would need additional shipping pieces and heavier cranes). - Some council members and residents said an un‑clad design feels more open and may improve perceived safety and sightlines; others favored full cladding to complete the architect’s intended form. Public process and next steps No formal council vote was requested. Staff will: - Continue value engineering and return recommendations on a bid package with discrete alternates (base bridge, bridge cladding, ramp cladding, stair alternates). - Continue discussions with MnDOT about additional funding options and final approvals. - Target final design approval late 2025 and a bid solicitation in January–February 2026 to allow construction in calendar 2026, pending funding and bid results. Who spoke - Director Milner (Public Works) — presented design options, schedule and cost estimates. - MnDOT bike and pedestrian coordinator (cited in staff presentation) — advised on ramp geometry and cladding concerns. Why readers should care The bridge is intended to create an ADA‑accessible, all‑season pedestrian and bicycle connection across a busy highway. Design choices — cladding, stairs, width — affect project cost, maintenance, visual character and how people feel using the structure. The council received the update and asked staff to continue refining options and funding strategies.