Richfield City Council — Minutes
Monday, March 9, 2026
Penn Avenue Reconstruction Update and Discussion
Proposed Traffic Calming Policy Discussion
Votes (2)
Penn Avenue Reconstruction Update and Discussion
Matt Huggins from Hennepin County provided a midpoint update on the Penn Avenue reconstruction project (south of 75th Street to south of Highway 62), highlighting extensive community engagement and priorities like pedestrian/bikeway safety, multimodal mobility, and green space. The primary discussion centered on design options for the 66th Street intersection, comparing a multi-lane roundabout versus enhancing the existing signal. Concerns regarding cost, right-of-way impacts, and business disruptions led the Council to a consensus to enhance the existing signal with added pedestrian and bicycle safety features, with further analysis planned.
Proposed Traffic Calming Policy Discussion
Transportation Engineer Hardegger presented the proposed traffic calming policy, emphasizing its focus on school areas and reconstruction projects, and noting the relative ease of modifying local streets compared to county or state roads. Council and staff discussed eligibility criteria, costs of various tools, and the potential for citizen-driven petitions. Ultimately, fiscal constraints and ongoing infrastructure priorities led to the decision to deem the new program premature and place it on the 'back burner' for future consideration, though staff will seek opportunities for integration into upcoming projects and study comparable cities.
Notable Quotes (4)
provided a midpoint update on the Penn Avenue reconstruction project from south of 75th Street to just south of Highway 62, noting extensive community engagement to date on priorities such as pedestrian and bikeway safety, multimodal mobility, transit access, stormwater management, and green space.
While some supported roundabout safety benefits, concerns about cost, right-of-way impacts, and business disruptions led to a consensus to enhance the existing signal with added pedestrian and bicycle safety features.
presented the proposed traffic calming policy, noting that efforts focus on school areas and reconstruction projects, with local streets easier to modify than county or state roads.
but fiscal constraints and ongoing infrastructure priorities make a new program premature, so it will be placed on the “back burner” for future consideration.
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
A policy under discussion for managing traffic speeds and safety in various city areas, particularly school zones.