Strategy 2 Use quick-build tools to eliminate traffic related deaths and severe injuries on city streets.
The actions within this strategy are divided into two categories:
Action we will DOActions we will SUPPORTAction we will do are followed by “DO” and are colored in dark gray, and actions we will support are followed by “SUPPORT” and are colored in light gray.
Learn more about how we get thereThe City is committed to eliminating death and severe injuries on our streets by 2027. The City has a 2020-2022 Vision Zero Action Plan which outlines strategies and specific actions to get us closer to that goal. The way streets operate have a huge impact on safety for all modes; this strategy acknowledges the deep connection between street operations and Vision Zero without duplicating the Vision Zero Action Plan.
Actions to use quick-build tools to eliminate traffic related deaths and severe injuries on city streets.
Street Operations 2.1
Complete all Safe Streets strategies and actions in the Vision Zero Action Plan and any updates of the 2020-2022 plan, with a focus on reducing speeds, reconfiguring road space to support safer travel and encourage more people to walk, bike and take transit, and install safety improvements at intersections along High Injury Streets.
Supported goals:
Safety
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Complete
Significant milestone(s):
The City adopted a 2023-2025 Vision Zero Action Plan in 2023. These strategies and actions build off the previous efforts outlined in the 2020-2022 plan. Most of the Safe Streets strategy actions from the 2020-2022 plan were completed or in progress by 2023.
Street Operations 2.2
Prepare final evaluation of 4-lane undivided streets for safety conversions; potential design solutions include 4-to-3 lane conversions. Current 4-lane undivided streets for evaluation include:
- Lyndale Ave N between Plymouth Ave and West Broadway
- Hennepin Ave S between Franklin Ave and 31st St
- 3rd Ave S between 1st St S and 12th St S
- 31st St E between 1st Ave S and Park Ave
- Harmon Pl between Spruce Pl and 10th St S
- Johnson St NE between Broadway Ave NE and I-35W freeway entrance ramp
- Huron Blvd SE between Fulton St SE and Delaware St SE
- Hawthorn Ave from 8th St to 11th St
- Lowry Ave N between Queen Ave N and Oliver Ave N and Lowry Avenue N and NE between 4th St N and Central Ave NE
- Broadway Ave N and NE segments between Fremont Ave N and University Ave NE
- Washington Ave N segments between 14th Ave N and 26th Ave N
- Lyndale Ave S between Franklin Ave and 31st St
- Cedar Ave S between 24th St and 38th St and between 7th St S and 9th St S
- Franklin Ave between Aldrich Ave S and Chicago Ave
- Lake St segments between Dupont Ave and West River Pkwy
- Excelsior Blvd between France Ave and Abbott Ave S
- University Ave SE segments between Oak St SE and St. Mary’s Ave SE
- Marshall St NE from 30th Ave NE to St. Anthony Pkwy
- Hennepin Ave E segments between 8th St SE and 33rd Ave SE
- Central Ave NE segments between 2nd St SE and 27th Ave NE
- University Ave NE and SE between Central Ave and 27th Ave NE
Supported goals:
Climate Safety Equity Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Complete
Significant milestone(s):
Portions of Lyndale Ave S, Lyndale Ave N, Marshall St NE, 31st St S, and E Lake St have been converted from 4 lanes since 2020. Conversion of Hennepin Ave S from 4 lanes to 3 lanes and a transit priority lane is in construction in 2025. Public Works published a 4-lane street study in 2024 that evaluated all streets identified in this action.
Street Operations 2.3
Evaluate the reconfiguration of 3-lane one-way streets to reduce travel lanes or add alternative uses.
Supported goals:
Safety Mobility
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Low
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Complete
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works completed an evaluation of 3-lane one-way streets in 2025. The study determines next steps and resources needed for the reconfiguration of 3-lane one-way streets.
Street Operations 2.4
Provide year-round maintenance for quick-build safety improvements, including replacement of bollards and striping.
Supported goals:
Safety Mobility
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2030+ (Years 10+)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works prioritizes replacement of bollards each spring by June 1st, and typically meets this goal. Restriping frequency varies but is typically completed annually. Additional bollard replacement and striping maintenance would require additional staff and budgetary investments.