Every day, the design of Olson Memorial Highway puts people at risk. Changes are long overdue, and watered-down improvements are unacceptable.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is slated to make a decision on a project alternative for Olson Memorial Highway by the end of 2025. MnDOT has an opportunity to make a commitment to the people most impacted by Olson Memorial Highway and meaningful improvements on this corridor.
Join us in calling on MnDOT to implement all the demands outlined in Phase One of the Bring Back 6th campaign.
These changes are proven to reduce crashes, prevent speeding, and make walking, rolling, biking and driving more comfortable and convenient.
The requested near-term improvements:
- Re-stripe the roadway to one driving lane in each direction
- Add dedicated transit and protected bike lanes
- Lower the posted speed limit to 25 mph
- Add lighting for pedestrians
- Mark crosswalks at all intersections and mid-block crossings
- Install an asphalt art pavement pilot project at the Olson & Van White intersection, collaborating with community partners, including Summit Academy, Green Garden Bakery, Urban Strategies, Heritage Park Neighborhood Association and Harrison Neighborhood Association
- Adjust walk signal timing so everyone, including people who are mobility impaired and parents with small children, have adequate time to cross the street
- Use paint and bollards to add pedestrian bump-outs on cross streets
- Improve transit service and frequency
Phase two of the campaign also seeks a public commitment from the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority to collaborate on reparations for historic harms and to proactively implement anti-displacement and community benefit policies as part of the Olson Memorial Highway project.
By proactively implementing these policies, it will be a good faith commitment to the residents of Northside and Near North community that further displacement and gentrification will be prevented. As well as the historic harms of Olson Memorial Highway being addressed meaningfully.
Join us in contacting decision-makers.
Take action by emailing key decision makers and standing up for reparative justice.