In an effort to increase foot traffic and improve access to the Minnesota Zoo, Dakota County plans to build a pedestrian bridge over McAndrews Road that would link the zoo with a popular recreational trail.

A pedestrian bridge from the North Creek Greenway trail would span four lanes of traffic and a median along McAndrews Road, allowing guests to cross to the Apple Valley zoo's main entrance more safely, officials said.

"Right now, being in a suburban environment, there really aren't a lot of trails and sidewalks coming into the zoo, and we've had some requests over the years for that," said Ken Kornack, the zoo's vice president for campus planning and management. "So it really will open the zoo up to the biking and walking local population."

The 2011 greenway master plan includes several road crossings by bridge or tunnel along the trail's 14-mile route.

Dakota County is expected to bid the project in 2015 and begin construction the following year. Bridge costs are projected at $2 million, with another $900,000 for the paved trail and amenities along zoo property to Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Although there's no way to quantify how many visitors arrive on foot, zoo officials estimate that very few do because it requires crossing busy streets. They expect the addition of a bridge crossing to increase the number of Apple Valley residents "who are willing and able to walk" there, Kornack said.

The zoo's rather remote location has always led visitors to arrive by vehicle, said Beth Burns, director of external communications. But adding a greenway path will allow another access point, she said, which may encourage residents to leave their cars at home. "We always get excited about the possibility of attracting more people to our facilities," Burns said.

The North Creek Greenway is expected to travel through Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington and Empire Township, and connect such recreational destinations as the zoo and the Vermillion River.

The county has determined the alignment of the trail, but is seeking input from the public about what amenities to place along the greenway from the zoo to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Zoo officials said they would like to incorporate the local landscape as much as possible.

Residents can learn more and voice their opinions on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Western Service Center at 14955 Galaxie Av. in Apple Valley.

Liz Sawyer • 952-746-3282