Next Steps for Nicollet Avenue Safety Issues

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Sept. 28, members from Minneapolis public works and City Council Member Elizabeth Glidden held a meeting to discuss parking and safety issues occurring between 42nd and 46th streets and nearby areas east of Nicollet Avenue in Kingfield.

The meeting produced several possible next steps to be taken in order to improve safety in the area.

The Kingfield Neighborhood Association told Patch that officials will consider installing signage on various corners indicating that cars must park 30 feet away from the corner.

Regardless of the corner, cars are not allowed to park within 30 feet, but the law is frequently ignored by motorists in the area.

Additionally, next spring officials will test out "ballards" to reduce the traffic exposure of pedestrians walking across Nicollet. The ballads will protect the space at corners for pedestrians waiting to cross.

On July 28, residents initially gathered to discuss vehicle and pedestrian safety concerns with a focus on 1st Avenue between 42nd and 46th Street.

Neighbors identified many areas of concern including safe pedestrian crossings at 42nd Street, heavy traffic near the business intersection of 43rd and Nicollet, delivery trucks on residential streets, and concerns with speeding and erratic traffic.

City staff agreed to review concerns and gather data from measurements of traffic speed and frequency.

Photos: William Bornhoft/Patch.com