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53rd Avenue Roundabout Safety Project
Project Overview:
The cities of Fridley and Columbia Heights have been working to improve safety for vehicular traffic on 53rd Avenue just west of Central Avenue. Due to the number of access points and their location near Central Avenue, turning movements into and out of commercial driveways creates unanticipated conflicts with vehicles traveling on 53rd Avenue. In addition, stacking of vehicles on 53rd Avenue to queue for the traffic signal at Central Avenue interferes with access points.
The recommended solution is to restrict access with a barrier median along 53rd Avenue to eliminate left turning conflicts. To provide access opportunities, it is recommended that a turnabout be constructed to the west to allow right-out vehicles on the north side of the median that would return to Central Avenue a turnaround and provide a similar turnaround for right-in vehicles using accesses on the south side of the median.
The City of Fridley and City of Columbia Heights have obtained funding for the project under MnDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which will fund 90% of estimated construction, and the cities would share equally in the matching funding for construction.
The cities of Columbia Heights and Fridley held an open house on January 17th, 2023 to learn about the 53rd Avenue Roundabout Safety Project. To watch the presentation discussing the proposed project, key project personnel, project schedule and funding, please click here.
The project is planned to be constructed in 2023. If you have questions or want additional information, please call the Engineering Department with the City of Fridley at (763) 572-3554 or email web-FridleyEngineering@fridleymn.gov
Project Updates
Public Hearing on Improvements
A public hearing was held at the February 13th, 2023 City Council meeting where staff presented on the project. Following the presentation and public comment, the City Council approved the development of final plans & specifications and future advertisement for bids.