53rd Avenue Trail and Walk Improvements Project

Project Overview

This project will provide a trail and walk connection on 53rd Avenue from Main Street to Monroe Street (Near Trunk Highway 65). The project includes roadway resurfacing, installation of a trail on the south side of the street and a walk on the north side of the street, street and pedestrian scale lighting, and traffic calming measures, as funding allows. The project is split between the City of Columbia Heights and the City of Fridley, with Fridley being the project lead. 

Project Updates

November 22, 2023

The Contractor has wrapped up the 53rd Avenue Trail and Walk Improvements project for the year. The street, shared used trail, and sidewalk are now open to the public for access. 

This week, the Contractor paved the final asphalt lift for the street. Centerline pavement markings was completed Wednesday 11/22 of this week. Site cleanup and hydroseed restoration will be completed by 11/22. There are some remaining items that has yet to be completed. These remaining items will be completed next year in Spring of 2024. Fore more information, please see the official emailed notice (PDF). 

November 14, 2023

This week, the Contractor poured sidewalks and driveways along the north side of 53rd Avenue. The Contractor also installed retaining wall along the north side of 53rd Avenue. Next week, the Contractor will continue installing concrete sidewalk and finish driveways. The new concrete will require 7 days of curing time. We ask that you stay off the concrete during the 7 day curing time. This will allow the concrete to cure properly and prevent premature cracking. The Contractor will also pave the second lift of asphalt after pouring concrete. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice. 

October 20, 2023

This week, the Contractor will removed select curb & gutter and driveways along the north side of 53rd Avenue in preparation of the concrete sidewalk. The Contractor also started excavating for the sidewalk. Next week, the Contractor will begin installing concrete driveways on the south side of 53rd Avenue. The Contractor will also install the concrete curb & gutter on the north side of 53rd Avenue. The new concrete will require 7 days of curing time. For the properties with driveways accessing 53rd Avenue, we ask that you park on an adjacent side street for the 7 day curing duration. This will allow the concrete to cure properly and prevent premature cracking. The Contractor will also be installing storm structures and hydrants along the north side of 53rd Avenue from University Service Road to Monroe Street. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice. 

October 13, 2023

This week, the Contractor paved the first lift of asphalt and paved the trail on the south side of 53rd Avenue. The Contractor also reclaimed the road along the north side of 53rd Avenue. Next week, the Contractor will begin removing select curb & gutter and driveways along the north side of 53rd Avenue in preparation of the concrete sidewalk. Please note that all construction scheduling is tentative, weather dependent, and subject to change. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice. 

September 29, 2023

This week, the Contractor graded the roadway in preparation of the new trail and curb & gutter on the south side of 53rd Avenue. Due to the weather, the Contractor will be on site Saturday, September 30th to complete base preparation for the concrete curb & gutter. 

Starting Monday October 2nd, the Contractor will begin to pour concrete curb & gutter along the south side of 53rd Avenue from Main Street to Monroe Street. The new concrete will require 7 days of curing time. For the properties with driveways accessing 53rd Avenue, we ask that you park on an adjacent side street for the 7 day curing duration. This will allow the concrete to cure properly and prevent premature cracking. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice. 

September 22, 2023

This week, the Contractor started installing the retaining wall and removed curb on the south side of 53rd Avenue. Next week, the Contractor will be hauling excess base material, and grading the roadway base in preparation of the new trail and curb on the south side of 53rd Avenue. Please note that all construction scheduling is tentative, weather-dependent, and subject to change. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice. 

September 8, 2023

This week, the Contractor removed the pavement and curb on the south side of 53rd Avenue. The Contractor also installed new watermain on 53rd Avenue from 5th to 6th Street. Beginning Monday September 11, 2023, 53rd Avenue from Main Street to Monroe Street will be a one way only for west bound traffic. East bound traffic will be detour at 53rd Avenue and 4th Street. We understand this is an inconvenience for traveling to your home and surrounding business, but this is for the safety of the workers and will speed up the project completion date. For additional information on the 53rd Avenue projects, please see the official emailed notice. 

August 28, 2023

Construction for the 53rd Avenue Trail and Walk Improvements project is currently anticipated to begin the first week of September. Additional information on construction scheduling in this area will be provided with future project updates. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice. 

August 11, 2023

This project is anticipated to start the first week of September. As of now, we do not have an anticipated work schedule and will provide an update once we have that information. For additional information, please see the official emailed notice. 

Access During Construction

All efforts will be made to maintain full access to homes throughout the construction process. Spot repair will be done on the curb in certain areas and it requires five days to cure after it is placed. During that time, you may have to park on the street. The City will provide notification with instructions 2-4 days before this will take place. 

Learn more in the FAQ section. 

Landscaping, Plantings, Sprinkler Systems

Generally, the boulevard will be disturbed up to 10 feet behind the existing curb. We are requesting residents to remove landscaping items that they wish to replant such as flowers, shrubs, small plants, etc. The contractor is responsible for removing and reinstalling sprinkler systems, pet fence systems, retaining walls, decorative rock, edging and fabric. Please mark your sprinkler heads and/or invisible fences in your yard. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn about why the road was cut out so deep, resident driveways, cut lines, payment options for the special assessment and more. 

Read the project FAQ (PDF) 

Project Contact

Call the City of Fridley - Engineering Division at 763-572-3554. Brandon Brodhag is the project manager and Touyia Lee is the project lead.