## Richfield Transportation Commission Agenda April 29, 2026 -- 7:00 PM ## Richfield Municipal Center ## Bartholomew Conference Room ## 6700 Portland Avenue South 1. Call to Order ## 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes a. April 1, 2026 Minutes ## 5. Regular Business and Public Hearing Items ## a. Hennepin County - Nicollet Avenue Construction Preview b. Hennepin County - Penn Avenue Open House 3 Material Review ## c. Sidewalk Projects Update ## d. Regional Solicitation Update 6. Updates ## a. City Staff b. Liaisons ## 7. Future Agenda Items a. June 3rd: TBD ## 8. Upcoming Meetings a. Wednesday, June 3rd, 7:00pm - Regular Meeting b. Tuesday, May 19th, 4:30-7:00pm - Penn Ave Open House #3, Richfield Middle School ## 9. Other Business 10. Adjournment Auxiliary aids for individuals with accessibility needs are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96 hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9739. Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the Transportation Commission agenda packet located by the entrance. The complete Transportation Commission agenda packet is available electronically on the City of Richfield’s website. Page 1 of 48 ## Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes -1- March 4th, 2026 ## 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Louis Dzierzak at 7:01 p.m. on April 1st, 2026, in the Bartholomew Room. ## Commission Present: ## Commission Absent: ## Adam Knosalla (Vice Chair), Eli Straub, Louis Dzierzak ## (Chair), David Gepner, Eli Straub, Josh Kloehn, Brinnon ## Kubista, Jaz Warren ## Stella Yang, Jacob Olsen ## Staff Present: ## Liaisons Present: ## Matt Hardegger, Olivia Wycklendt ## Sean Hayford Oleary (City Council) ## 2. ROLL CALL Staff noted that Commissioners Yang and Olsen were absent. ## 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: made by Kubista, seconded by Gepner to approve the agenda. ## Voting Aye: Knosalla, Straub, Dzierzak, Gepner, Kloehn, Kubista, Warren Motion carried: 7-0 ## 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: made by Knosalla, seconded by Straub to approve the minutes of the Transportation ## Commission Regular Meeting from March 4 th , 2026. ## Voting Aye: Knosalla, Straub, Dzierzak, Gepner, Kloehn, Kubista, Warren Motion carried: 7-0 ## 5. REGULAR BUSINESS AND PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS ## a. Penn Avenue Parking and Bikeways Hennepin County Project Manager Matt Huggins presented updates on the Penn Avenue reconstruction project with consultant staff Tom Kaiser, Steven Voelker, and Lance Bernard. Topics included what types of bikeway infrastructure the commission would like to see for the corridor, as well as how they’d like to address parking in the Penn Central area of the corridor. Commissioners discussed how the corridor is currently being used by bikers today, and if any the options presented by the County which should be eliminated from consideration as ## TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ## MEETING MINUTES ## Richfield, Minnesota April 1st, 2026 Page 2 of 48 ## Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes -2- March 4th, 2026 public engagement and design progresses. Commissioners also discussed draft concepts for on-street parking considerations on Penn Avenue between 66 th and 68 th St, and potential for parking north of 66 th St as well. MOTION: made by Knosalla, seconded by Kloehn to remove option 4, a single shared-use path, for consideration for Penn Avenue reconstruction. ## Voting Aye: Knosalla, Straub, Dzierzak, Gepner, Kloehn, Kubista, Warren Motion carried: 7-0 ## 6. UPDATES ## a. City Staff – Project Updates 1. City staff provided construction updates for Nicollet Avenue, 494, Highway 77, the Sheridan Hills Safe Routes to School project, and Metro Transit’s Route 14 stop changes. Staff provided a design update for the other 2026 sidewalk projects and 69 th Street. ## b. City Council 1. Council Member Hayford Oleary provided updates on council items relevant to the Commission including continued impacts of Operation Metro Surge. ## 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff informed the Commission that the next scheduled meeting on May 6 th would also be about Penn Avenue. ## 8. UPCOMING MEETINGS Staff asked the Commission to consider rescheduling the May 6 th meeting to avoid County staff conflicts. The commission discussed their availability for the next 6 weeks. Commission agreed with staff sending out a poll to see which dates work best for commission members after the meeting. ## 9. OTHER BUSINESS Hardegger referenced a public comment that was submitted to the Commission and noted its addition in the meeting packet. ## 10. ADJOURNMENT Next meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2026. MOTION: made by Gepner, seconded by Knosalla to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 PM. ## Voting Aye: Knosalla, Straub, Dzierzak, Gepner, Kloehn, Kubista, Warren Motion carried: 7-0 Page 3 of 48 ## Transportation Commission Meeting 4/29/2026 ## Agenda Section: Regular Business and Public Hearing Items Agenda Item: 5.a. ## Report Prepared By: ## Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer ## Department Director: ## Kristin Asher, Public Works Director ## Item for Consideration: ## Hennepin County - Nicollet Avenue Construction Preview ## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Hennepin County Construction Engineer Stan Lim will be providing an overview of expected construction impacts from the Nicollet Avenue project, beginning in June 2026. ## RECOMMENDED ACTION No action required, information only ## HISTORICAL CONTEXT ## EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS ## POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.) ## CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES ## FINANCIAL IMPACT ## LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS ## ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) ## ATTACHMENTS 1. Nicollet Avenue construction preview Page 4 of 48 ## Nicollet Avenue in ## Richfield ## Stanley Lim, PE ## ProjectManager ## April 29, 2026, Richfield Transportation ## Commission ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 5 of 48 ## Topics •Construction staging & schedule •Detour routes & local access •What to expect •Planned improvements •Staying informed •Questions ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 2 Page 6 of 48 Construction staging 2026—Construction primarily on the SOUTH end, between 70th and 77 th 2027—Construction primarily on the NORTH end, between 66th and 70th ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 7 of 48 Construction schedule Dates are tentative and subject to change South section begins Crews working between 70th and 77th streets. June 1, 2026 South section completed Reconstruction complete between 70th and 77th streets. ## November 2026 Winter suspension Construction pauses for season. Roads open to traffic. ## Winter 2026-27 North section begins Crews working between between 66th and 70th streets ## April 2027 Project completed Reconstruction complete and roads reopen to traffic. Crews return in spring for wrap-up. ## October 2027 a 4 ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 8 of 48 2026 detour routes & local access •Posted detour using 77th Street, Portland Avenue, and 66th Street •Local access for residents and businesses •Cut-through traffic: timing, signage and tools, expect a learning curve ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 9 of 48 What to expect: local access for residents & businesses Walking and biking •Temporary sidewalk on at least one side of Nicollet Avenue remains open during construction. •People may be routed around active construction areas at times for safety •Some areas will temporarily have a rough or uneven surface Using transit •Bus stops may be temporarily relocated during construction •For information on affected stops, visit ## Metro Transit Rider Alerts, or contact your transit service ## Driving •We’ll maintain local access for residents •Vehicles able to cross Nicollet on local streets unless crews are working at that location •73rd and 76th will each close during roundabout construction, but not at the same time •Narrow single lane or a gravel surface at times 6 ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 10 of 48 Project visualization View the full project area 7Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 11 of 48 ## Planned improvements to Nicollet Avenue Safer & calmer new road •One lane of traffic in each direction and a center lane for left turns •Roundabouts at 67th, 70th, 73rd, and 76th streets •Fresh asphalt pavement for a smoother, safer ride Easier & safer for pedestrians •Separate bike paths on each side of Nicollet Avenue •New sidewalks on both sides of the street •Better crosswalks with new curbs and ramps, updated walk signals, and raised areas to help people cross more safely Inviting & sustainable spaces •Wider green boulevards between the road and sidewalks, which will also help with stormwater quality •New streetlights and pedestrian level lighting, along with more green spaces •New trees, coordinated with the City of Richfield, to be planted following the completion of construction ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 8 Page 12 of 48 Pre-construction outreach 1 Contacting destinations & connectors ## •Holy Angels Academy ## •Richfield High School ## •Augsburg Park Library ## •Richfield Community Center •School bus service •Metro Transit •Waste haulers •Postal service 2 Communicating with businesses & residents In-person visits and/or calls and/or emails with businesses throughout project area to provide info and discuss access needs, customers, schedules, and concerns Connecting with people who live along the project area 9 ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 13 of 48 ## Keeping the Richfield community informed Pre-construction outreach begins in May Communication continues through 2026 and 2027 Project webpage updates Visit and bookmark hennepincounty.gov/nicollet-richfield Emails to subscribers Sign up to receive updates about schedule, closures & impacts Visits & meetings Business, resident, destination and partner connections Construction signs & digital boards Watch for on-site alerts 11 ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 14 of 48 Thank you Project info & questions transportation@hennepin.us ## Stanley Lim PE, Project manager stanley.lim@hennepin.us 612-282-3609 12 ## Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction in Richfield 2026-2027 Page 15 of 48 ## Transportation Commission Meeting 4/29/2026 ## Agenda Section: Regular Business and Public Hearing Items Agenda Item: 5.b. ## Report Prepared By: ## Department Director: ## Item for Consideration: ## Hennepin County - Penn Avenue Open House 3 Material Review ## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Hennepin County and consultant staff will be presenting materials that will be available for public engagement events during Phase 3, including intersection and cross section design options. ## RECOMMENDED ACTION Approve materials for Phase 3 public engagement ## HISTORICAL CONTEXT ## EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS ## POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.) ## CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES ## FINANCIAL IMPACT ## LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS ## ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) ## ATTACHMENTS 1. 20260429_RTC_06_v2 Page 16 of 48 CSAH 32 (Penn Ave) ## Reconstruction ## Transportation ## Commission Meeting #6 ## Matt Huggins, PE ## Project Manager April 29, 2026 Page 17 of 48 ## Agenda ## 4/1/2026 Transportation Commission Recap ## Penn Ave Intersection discussion Phase 3 engagement materials overview ## TH62 & 66 th St design overview 2 Page 18 of 48 Commission actions Action: Verify intersection alternatives 3 Page 19 of 48 ## Spring 2025 Project kick-off ## March 2026 ## Phase 1: Experiences ## Summer 2026 ## City Council Update #1 ## Phase 3: Concept Alternatives ## Fall 2026 ## City Council Resolution 4 Preliminary design engagement schedule ## City Council Update #2 ## Phase 2: Vision and ToolsPhase 4: Recommendations * Start of construction tentatively planned for Spring 2028 * We are here Page 20 of 48 4/1/2026 – Transportation ## Commission Recap Advance 3 bikeway options • ## 1 Way Cycle Track + Sidewalks ## •Shared Use Paths on Both Sides ## •2 Way Cycle Track + Sidewalks ## Advance On-Street Parking between 68 th ## St and 66 th ## St 5 Page 21 of 48 Intersection discussion (75 th ## Street) ## Roundabout ## Traffic SignalRRFB 6 Note: Bikeway configuration shown in yellow to be determined. Page 22 of 48 Intersection discussion (69 th ## Street) ## Traffic Signal ## Roundabout 7 Note: Bikeway configuration shown in yellow to be determined. ## Retaining ## Wall ## Retaining ## Wall Page 23 of 48 Intersection discussion (64 th ## Street) ## Traffic Signal ## Roundabout 8 Note: Bikeway configuration shown in yellow to be determined. Impact to access / parking under evaluation Page 24 of 48 ## Intersection discussion – MSA Streets (70 th , 65 th , and 63 rd ## Streets) ## Median Refuge (73 rd St shown for context) ## No Median Refuge (70 th St shown for context) 9 ## Median Full Access (74 th St shown for context) Note: Bikeway configuration shown in yellow to be determined. Page 25 of 48 Intersection discussion ## – Local Streets (74 th , 73 rd , 72 nd , 71 st , 70 ½, 68 th , and 67 th ## Streets) ## Median Refuge (73 rd St shown for context) ## No Median Refuge (70 th St shown for context) 10 ## Median Full Access (74 th St shown for context) ## Note: Bikeway configuration shown in yellow to be determined. ## Median Closure (71 th St shown for context) Page 26 of 48 Phase 3 engagement materials overview Engagement topics •Background/process •Bikeway options (cross-sections) ## o1 Way Cycle Track + Sidewalks ## oShared Use Paths on Both Sides ## o2 Way Cycle Track + Sidewalks •Intersection treatment options •Parking configuration (south of 66 th ## St) Engagement material •Background poster boards •Parking poster boards •Cross-section dot activity •Intersection roll plot Virtual engagement •Interactive map for intersection options •Short survey for cross-sections •Project update news letter 11 Page 27 of 48 Phase 3 business engagement ## Approach Door knocking One-on-one interviews In -office hours (TBD) 12 Page 28 of 48 Supplemental design elements – TH62 Interchange 13 •Re-stripe TH62 WB off ramp •Remove dual left turn lane ## •Re-stripe TH62 Bridge •Dedicated NB/SB Left turn lanes •Move crossing to south side •Implement truck pillows •Traffic signal improvements Page 29 of 48 Supplemental design elements – 66 th ## St Signal 14 •Bikeway configuration to be determined •Implement truck pillows •Lane re-configuration on Penn Ave •Revise existing traffic signal •No planned improvements along 66 th ## St ## Evaluating access closure ## Evaluating Transit stop locations Page 30 of 48 Next steps •Penn-Central business group meetings – April / May 2026 •County Active Transportation Committee – May 18, 2026 •Initiate Phase 3 virtual engagement – May 5, 2026 (target) •Open House #3 – May 19, 2026 •Pop-up events •Close Phase 3 virtual engagement – July 10, 2026 •City Council Work Session #2 – July 28, 2026 15 Page 31 of 48 Thank you ## Matt Huggins, PE ## Matt.huggins@hennepin.us 612-596-0326 https://beheardhennepin.org/penn-avenue 16 Page 32 of 48 ## Appendices 17 Page 33 of 48 Project scope Reconstruction from 75 th Street to Highway 62 ## INITIAL PROJECT GOALS •Replace deteriorating pavement surfaces and walks •Enhance mobility to regional destinations •Implement bikeway •Improvements to existing public utilities •Traffic control upgrades and implementation of traffic calming and safety measures •Improving transit stops for current and future transit routes •Leverage green infrastructure to achieve storm water goals and enhance visual character 18 Page 34 of 48 19 ## Transportation Commission Priorities ## Transportation Commission assessment •Existing conditions discussed prior to Phase 1 activities •Desired conditions led to development of Problem Statement •Difference between conditions establishes priorities Desired outcomes •Improve experiences for those walking, biking, and rolling •People walking, biking, rolling, and taking transit prioritized over vehicle and truck travel and on-street parking •On-street parking low priority outside of Penn-Central district Page 35 of 48 Problem statement People need safe and reliable property access along Penn Avenue •People can’t walk or bike safely or comfortably along Penn Avenue •It’s difficult to make left turns onto or off Penn Avenue •The pavement is in poor condition •There are limited public parking opportunities along Penn Avenue •People need safe and reliable property access along Penn Avenue Penn Avenue is dangerous to walk •Penn Avenue is not safe to walk across •Penn Avenue is not comfortable to walk along •There are no features to create a positive walking experience Biking on Penn Avenue is not safe •There are no dedicated bike facilities on Penn Avenue •It is difficult to cross Penn Avenue when traveling on nearby trails There isn’t enough green space on Penn Avenue •The lack of green infrastructure doesn’t support sustainability and maintenance •The lack of greenspace detracts from the visual quality of the neighborhood Penn Avenue does not fully support the needs of a vibrant business district •The lack of walkability discourages pedestrian activity to businesses along Penn Avenue •The existing street doesn’t support businesses as destinations, lacking a sense of place •The lack of convenient public parking and consistent access detracts from the user experience 20 Originally drafted as part of 2021 Penn Avenue study. Revised in collaboration with Transportation Commission. Community supports problem statement. Page 36 of 48 ## Transportation Commission Meeting 4/29/2026 ## Agenda Section: Regular Business and Public Hearing Items Agenda Item: 5.c. ## Report Prepared By: ## Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer ## Department Director: ## Kristin Asher, Public Works Director ## Item for Consideration: ## Sidewalk Projects Update ## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff will be providing a schedule and design update for the three 2026 sidewalk projects ## RECOMMENDED ACTION No action required, information only ## HISTORICAL CONTEXT ## EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS ## POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.) ## CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES ## FINANCIAL IMPACT ## LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS ## ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) ## ATTACHMENTS 1. 260429_Sidewalks Page 37 of 48 ## 2026 Sidewalk Projects ## Transportation CommissionMatt Hardegger, PE April 29 th , 2026Transportation Engineer Page 38 of 48 ## Map Page 39 of 48 ## Sheridan Hills SRTS • Bids opened April 2nd • Contract awarded April 28th ## • Contract Dates ## – Construction Start: June 8th ## – Substantial Completion: August 21 st ## – Final Completion: September 25 th Page 40 of 48 73 rd ## Street Sidewalk • 90% Design Completed ## • Scope Change Process – Replacing new sidewalk with trail rehab is considered a formal scope change by Met Council – Requires approval of three bodies ## • TAB TAC F&P: April 16 th ## • TAB TAC: May 6 th • TAB: May 20 th ## • Updated Schedule – Final plans: late May – Bid opening: June ## – Construction: September-October Page 41 of 48 64 th ## Street Sidewalk • 90% Design Completed • Project on hold – Railroad has informed city that they will not allow a crossing at this location due to the presence of track switch – Staff and Council will continue working to resolve this with the railroad – Project will likely need a program year extension from Met Council Page 42 of 48 64 th ## Street Sidewalk – Nicollet ## Ave • Consultant performed traffic study in February – Removing the full NB left turn lane is NOT recommended • Intersection crash rate is over the state critical rate and turn lanes are known to lower crash rates • Recommendations – Crosswalk striping and signage – RRFB if desired by city – Other recommendations • Look for a narrow median refuge that keeps the left turn lane • Introduce a positive offset to the turn lanes to reduce vehicle crash rate Page 43 of 48 ## Transportation Commission Meeting 4/29/2026 ## Agenda Section: Regular Business and Public Hearing Items Agenda Item: 5.d. ## Report Prepared By: ## Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer ## Department Director: ## Kristin Asher, Public Works Director ## Item for Consideration: ## Regional Solicitation Update ## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff will be providing an update on the upcoming Met Council Regional Solicitation for federal and active transportation grants. ## RECOMMENDED ACTION No action required, information only ## HISTORICAL CONTEXT ## EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS ## POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.) ## CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES ## FINANCIAL IMPACT ## LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS ## ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) ## ATTACHMENTS ## 1. 260429_RS Page 44 of 48 ## Regional Solicitation ## Transportation CommissionMatt Hardegger, PE April 29 th , 2026Transportation Engineer Page 45 of 48 ## Program Overview • Applications open from May 7 – June 25 • Two funding types – Federal (Roadway/regional trails): $240M – State (Active Transportation): $50M • Funding years – AT funds: 2027, 2028, 2029 – Federal funds: 2030 & 2031 • Streamlined Process for 2026 • More information Page 46 of 48 ## Planned Applications • Federal ## – Roadway Modernization • 76 th west of Penn • 77 th ## from Portland to Richfield Parkway ## – Proactive Safety • 76 th ## & Newton Ave ## • Active Transportation – Projects must be specifically identified in an adopted plan document (CIP, Ped Plan, etc) that is less than 10 years old ## – Local Bike Facilities • 73 rd Street Trail - 35W to Lyndale (Ped Plan) ## – Local Pedestrian Facilities • 68 th ## Street Sidewalk - Lyndale to Nicollet (Ped Plan) • Middle School SRTS - 74 th ## and Oliver (SRTS Design Assistance & SRTS Comp ## Plan) ## – Active Transportation Planning • Bicycle Master Plan Update (Document over 10 years old) Page 47 of 48 ## Future Cycles ## • Alternating Years ## – Odd years: AT Funding ## – Even Years: Federal Funding Page 48 of 48