Home >
Bicycling in Minneapolis >
Projects
U of M Protected Bikeways
In 2019, Minneapolis Public Works is proposing to install 2.6 miles of protected bikeways connecting the University of Minnesota and the surrounding neighborhoods of Como, Marcy Holmes, and Cedar Riverside. Between 400 and 4,000 people currently bike along this corridor each day, making it the highest demand area for bicycling in the city. The project aims to improve many existing bike lanes and complete important gaps in city’s bikeway network.

Project Status

Overview
Project Limits
- 18th Avenue SE: E Hennepin Avenue to Como Avenue SE
- Rollins Avenue SE: 15th Avenue SE to 18th Avenue SE
- 15th Avenue SE: Rollins Avenue SE to University Avenue SE
- 10th Avenue SE/19th Avenue S: Riverside Avenue S to 5th Street SE*
- 4th Street: 19th Avenue S to 20th Avenue S
- 20th Avenue S: 4th Street S to Minnehaha Avenue S
*Proposed extension to 8th Street SE pending federal scope
Project Schedule
- Spring-Fall 2017: Community engagement and preliminary design
- Winter 2018: Seek City Council approval for layout
- Spring-Fall 2018: Detailed design
- Summer 2019: Construction
Duration of Construction
TBD
Traffic Impact
TBD
Design
What is a protected bikeway?
Not everyone feels comfortable and safe riding on a busy street, even with a regular bike lane. A protected bikeway creates a more comfortable space to ride that is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic. A separated facility can attract a wider demographic of riders and the City sees protected bikeways as an important tool to increase bicycling in Minneapolis.
Most of this project is proposed to include a protected bikeway design with short segments of bike boulevard, trail, and conventional bike lanes.
Project Goals
- Enhance safety and predictability for all users
- Support active transportation options around the U of M
- Improve existing bicycle connections to better accommodate existing bicycle demand and encourage more bicycle use
- Complete the NE Diagonal Trail/18th Avenue SE bikeway gap
Parking Changes are Proposed
To install a dedicated bikeway, existing on-street parking must be removed on three blocks in the Como neighborhood:
- East and west side of 18th Ave SE (E Hennepin Ave to Como Ave SE)
- North side of Rollins Ave SE (15th Ave SE to 17th Ave SE)
Public Works is in the process of gathering feedback on the proposed changes and understanding what alternative on-street or off-street parking options exist for adjacent residents.
Project Documents
Project Fact Sheet - Updated 1/4/18
Presentation to SECIA - Updated 12/20/17
Presentation to SECIA - Updated 4/20/17
Council Approved Layout - South Segment (10th Ave SE, 19th Ave S, 4th St S, 20th Ave S) - Updated 2/13/18
Council Approved Layout - North Segment (15th Ave SE, Rollins Ave SE, 18th Ave SE) - Updated 2/13/18
Meetings
Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee
April 18, 2017, 4:00 p.m.
Colonial Warehouse Building, 212 3rd Avenue N, Suite 404
Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association
April 18, 2017, 6:30 p.m.
Pillsbury A-Mill, 315 Main Street SE
Minneapolis Pedestrian Advisory Committee
April 20, 2017, 4:30 p.m.
Minneapolis City Hall, Room 212
Southeast Como Improvement Association
April 20, 2017, 6:30 p.m.
Van Cleve Park Recreation Center
Seward Neighborhood Group
June 13, 2017, 7:00 p.m.
Matthews Park Recreation Center
Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee
September 19, 2017 4:00 p.m.
City Hall, 350 5th St S, Room 212
U of M Pop Up Event #1
September 26, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Coffman Union (lower level by Bookstore)
U of M Pop Up Event #2
October 4, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Coffman Union (lower level by Bookstore)
Seward Neighborhood Group
October 10, 2017, 7:00 p.m.
Matthews Park Recreation Center
Southeast Como Improvement Association
December 20, 2017, 5:30 p.m.
Van Cleve Park Recreation Center
Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee
January 16, 2018, 4:00 p.m.
City Hall, 350 5th St S, Room 212
Project Updates
Week of August 26, 2019
Work this week
- Pavement marking and Striping at different location throughout the project
Work expected next week
- Installing bike delineator post at various locations of the project
- Wrapping up pavement marking and Striping on various locations of the project
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
Ayalew Getaneh, Construction Engineer
[email protected]
612-673- 6055 (office) or 612-499-7557 (cell)
Iskandar Umar, Chief Field Inspector
[email protected]
612-673-3204 (Office) or 612-368-5668 (cell)
Work in progress



Week of August 19, 2019
Work in the past two weeks
Over the last two weeks, we have completed the following work:
- Upgrading signal systems
- Restorations at various locations
- Excess seal coating chips materials swept
- pavement marking removal throughout the project locations
Work expected this week (week of August 19)
- Pavement marking and Striping on various locations of the project
- Project wrapping up
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
Ayalew Getaneh, Construction Engineer
[email protected]
612-673- 6055 (office) or 612-499-7557 (cell)
Iskandar Umar, Chief Field Inspector
[email protected]
612-673-3204 (Office) or 612-368-5668 (cell)
Work in progress

Week of August 5, 2019
Work in the past two weeks
For the last two weeks we have been focused on the following three locations/intersections:
- Various locations for signal system upgrade
- Seal coating on, 20th Ave, 10th Ave, and 15th Ave
Work completed:
- July 31st seal coating done on 20th Ave S, 10th Ave SE between (University Ave SE & 8th ST SE), and 15th Ave SE between (University Ave SE & 6th St SE)
- Signal systems work carried out throughout the entire project
- Temp signal system up and running at 10th Ave SE & University Ave SE
- All concrete work completed on this project as of the 2nd of August
Work expected this week (week of August 5)
- Upgrading signal systems by will continue.
- Restorations at various locations
- Signing and striping work planned to start next week
- Excess seal coating materials to be swept on the 5th of August
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
Ayalew Getaneh, Construction Engineer
[email protected]
612-673- 6055 (office) or 612-499-7557 (cell)
Iskandar Umar, Chief Field Inspector
[email protected]
612-673-3204 (Office) or 612-368-5668 (cell)
Work in progress

Sealcoating at the corner of 10th Ave SE and University Ave SE

Concrete poured at the northeast corner of 10th Ave SE and University Ave SE

Last piece of sidewalk poured at the southwest corner of 10th Ave SE and University Ave SE
Week of July 29, 2019
Work in the past two weeks
For the last two weeks we have been focused on the following three locations/intersections.
- 10th Ave S and University
- 15th Ave S (between University Ave and 4th ), and
- Rollins Ave and 17th Ave S the Cut-through
Work Completed:
- North bound and south bound bike lanes paved
- 15th Ave construction completed and open to traffic
- 17th & Rollins Ave restored with topsoil awaiting sod
- Pavement marking removal started
- Temporary traffic signal system installed by city forces at 10th Ave & University Ave
- Curb & gutter at the NE corner of 10th Ave and University Ave poured
- Minor concrete rework completed at S Washington Ave & 19th Ave
- Rollins Ave & 17th Ave SE sidewalks poured
Work expected this week (week of July 29)
- Upgrading signal systems by will continue.
- NE corner of 10th and University sidewalk will be installed
- Seal coating operations to begin July 31st, followed by sweeping excess material of the road by August 5th.
- Stripping planned for the 7th of August for the overall project
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
Ayalew Getaneh, Construction Engineer
[email protected]
612-673- 6055 (office) or 612-499-7557 (cell)
Iskandar Umar, Chief Field Inspector
[email protected]
612-673-3204 (Office) or 612-368-5668 (cell)
Work in Progress

Pavement marking were removed at various locations.

Curb and gutter poured at the northeast corner of 10th Ave and University Ave

Concrete poured at the southeast corner of 10th Ave and University Ave

North- and southbound bike lanes completed at 15th Ave SE and University Ave; traffic control removed
Week of July 22, 2019
Work completed in the last two weeks (weeks of July 8 & 15)
For the last two weeks we have been focused on the following three locations/intersections:
- 10th Ave S and University
- 15th Ave S (between University Ave and 4th), and
- Rollins Ave and 17th Ave S the Cut-through
Work completed:
- Removals carried out at 15th Ave SE west side
- 15th Ave SE between University and 4th St protected bikeways installed.
- 17th Ave SE & Rollins Ave bike path paved
- Bit patching and restorations carried out at Rollins and 10th Ave
- Electrical work carried out at 10th Ave SE corner, and signal pole base poured.
- Video detection systems installed at 20th and Riverside, 19th and Riverside, and working on 19th and Washington.
- Ped ramp and sidewalk at the SE corner of 10th Ave SE poured.
Work expected this week (week of July 22)
- Upgrading signal systems by will continue.
- NE corner of 10th and University sidewalk will be installed
- Some minor concrete correction works and restoration will start. I would say 95% of the concrete work completed.
- Signing and striping work will start
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
Ayalew Getaneh, Construction Engineer
[email protected]
612-673- 6055 (office) or 612-499-7557 (cell)
Iskandar Umar, Chief Field Inspector
[email protected]
612-673-3204 (Office) or 612-368-5668 (cell)
Work in Progress

Cut-through at Rollins and 17th St SE

Northbound protected bikeways on 15th Ave SE between University Ave and 4th St SE

Southbound protected bikeways ready to be installed on 15th Ave SE between University Ave and 4th St SE
Week of July 8, 2019
Work completed last week (week of July 1)
- Saw cut on 10th Ave S and University Ave SE intersection
- Saw cut at 15th Ave SE and University
- Saw cut at Rollins Ave and 17th Ave SE intersection
Work expected this week (week of July 8)
- Removal will start at:
- 10th Ave S and University Ave SE (SE & NE corners)
- 15th Ave SE between University Ave SE and 4th St SE
- Rollins Ave and 17th Ave Se intersection (the cut - through)
- Once removal completed, installation will start from 10th Ave S and University Ave intersection.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
Ayalew Getaneh, Construction Engineer
Ayalew.Ge[email protected]
612-673- 6055 (office) or 612-499-7557 (cell)
Iskandar Umar, Chief Field Inspector
[email protected]
612-673-3204 (Office) or 612-368-5668 (cell)
Week of July 1, 2019
Work completed last week (week of June 24)
- Pavement marking and temporary striping on 19th Ave S between 3rd St S and 4th St S
- Pavement marking and temporary striping on 20th Ave S /approximately 400 ft from Cedar Ave to the beginning of the bridge over 94.
- Bituminous patching around the newly constructed pavement and curbs & gutters.
- At the three location the road is wide open for through traffic.
Work expected this week (week of July 1)
- Saw cutting on 10th Ave S and University Ave SE intersection
- Saw cutting at 15th Ave SE and University
- Saw cutting at Rollins Ave and 17th Ave SE intersection
- Removal will start the week of July 8th
Work in progress

Bikeway on 19th Ave S near 4th St S

Bikeway on 19th Ave S near 2nd St S

Bikeway on 20th Ave S near Cedar and Franklin Ave
Week of June 24, 2019
Work completed last week (week of June 17)
On 19th Ave S near 4th St S; 19th Ave S near 2nd St S; and 20th Ave S near Cedar Ave:
- Installation of protected bikeways completed
- Curb and gutter installation completed
- Sidewalk installation completed
- Bus stop lane/ Bus pad on 19th Ave S near 2nd S installed
- Bus stop lane/ Bus pad on 19th Ave S near 4th St S installed
Work expected this week (week of June 24)
- Passengers platform at the bus stop on 19th near 4th St S
- Passengers platform at the bus stop on 19th Ave S near 2nd St S will be installed
- Road way bituminous patch to match the existing
- Remove pavement marking and striping at the three locations
- Temporary pavement marking and striping will be install till mill and over lay work done at the three locations.
Work in progress



Week of June 17, 2019
Completed last week (week of June 10)
On 20th Ave near Cedar Ave / on 19th Ave S near S 2nd St / on 19th Ave S near S 4th St:
- Pavement saw cutting and removal
- Grading work and forming
- Concrete work: Protected bikeways installed
Work expected this week (week of June 17)
On 20th Ave near Cedar Ave / on 19th Ave S near S 2nd St / on 19th Ave S near S 4th St
- Install sidewalk panels
- Install South Bus Concrete pad on 19th Ave S
Current Work Areas



Completed Work



Week of June 7, 2019
U of M protected Bikeways Project construction will start the coming Monday June 10, 2019.
Contacts
Simon Blenski, Project Planner, 612-673-5012 or [email protected]
Adam Hayow, Project Planner, 612-673-21724 or [email protected]
Ayalew Getaneh, Construction Engineer, 612-673-6055 or [email protected]
Last updated Aug 29, 2019