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Officials cite high crash rate on Central Ave stretch as redesign goal
Summary
MnDOT and city staff said the stretch of Central Ave between 40th and 47th Aves. ranks among the state's worst for fatal and serious-injury crashes; the proposed redesign includes lane reductions, roundabouts and pedestrian safety upgrades intended to reduce severe collisions.
MnDOT North Metro Engineer Chris Bower emphasized crash data during a June 16 presentation, identifying the segment of Central Ave from 40th to 47th Avenue as having one of the highest rates of fatal and serious-injury crashes in Minnesota. "Central Ave. from 40th to 47th Ave. has the second highest rate of fatal and serious injury crashes in Minnesota," Bower said, using the statistic to justify safety-focused design changes.
The presenters described design measures intended to shorten pedestrian crossing distances and slow vehicular speeds, including lane reductions, single- and multi-lane roundabouts at several intersections, upgraded sidewalks and mixed-use pathways, and dedicated transit lanes. City and MnDOT staff framed these changes as targeted interventions to reduce severe crashes and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders along the corridor.
