Greater Separate Routes to School Phase 2 Project Scope and Budget

The construction engineer presented a comprehensive overview of the project, detailing the specific streets involved, the inclusion of federal funding, and the extensive scope of work for 2026 and 2027. This includes various infrastructure improvements such as intersection upgrades, ADA-compliant ramps, storm sewer and water improvements, hydrant replacements, traffic circles, speed humps, lighting and signal revisions, new pavement markings, and concrete median installations. The total estimated project cost was reported as $2.8 million.

Construction Schedule, Detours, and Site Logistics

Information was shared regarding the construction's anticipated start date of June 22, 2026, and a substantial completion date of November 1, 2026, with Meyer Contracting as the project contractor. Detailed detour routes were outlined for specific streets and general guidance for bus detours via the Metro Transit website. Traffic control measures, including lane narrowing and intersection closures, were explained, with assurances that local access for residents would be maintained. The presentation also covered coordinated utility work with Lumen and the City, standard working hours, and the enforcement of city right-of-way, instructing homeowners to remove private items.

Resident Expectations and Project Communication Channels

This segment focused on what residents can expect during the construction period, such as partial road closures, utility work, sidewalk closures, and final resurfacing. Communication strategies were a key focus, with information on signing up for weekly GovDelivery email updates, attending bi-weekly stakeholder meetings, and accessing the project website. Contact information for the City of Minneapolis Public Works project engineer, chief field inspector, and the contractor's project manager was provided, encouraging residents to reach out with any concerns.

Public Inquiry: Traffic Circle Vegetation

During the Q&A session, a resident inquired whether the planned traffic circles, specifically on West 27th Street, would include vegetation. The project engineer, Wenwen, confirmed that the current plan for the 27th Street circle involves seeding and solving, and she committed to gathering and sharing more specific details if there were further changes or detailed planting plans in the future. This exchange addressed a specific public concern regarding landscaping within new public infrastructure.