The intersection of Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues and the section where the roads run together between Dunwoody Blvd. and Franklin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis is rife with problems.

It's constantly congested, the pavement is deteriorating, lane designations are confusing and it's difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate safely.

Some time next year, the corridor (see map below) that sees an average of 50,000 vehicles a day is set for a re-do and the public is invited to weigh in and give suggestions on how to improve transportation in the area. An open house will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Avenue S.

Minneapolis has secured $7.3 million in federal aid funding to pay for the Hennepin/Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Project and will use state and local sources, including assessing property owners, to cover the remainder of the $9.1 million project.

The goal of the project is to improve the condition and operating efficiency of the roadway, and improve and expand upon multi modal opportunities for pedestrians, bicycles and transit users, the project's website says.

Here are a list of enhancements the project will include reconstructing Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues including concrete paving, curb and gutters, pedestrian ramps, striping, lighting and storm sewer.

The project also aims to:

  • Improve traffic flow.
  • Upgrade intersections and bike and pedestrian facilities by improving the pedestrian crossing at Dunwoody Blvd.
  • Rebuilding traffic signals, improving pedestrian and bicycling crossing and upgrade the sidewalk at Vinewood Blvd/Oak Grove Street.
  • Improve pedestrian crossing and rebuild traffic signals at Groveland Terrace/Groveland Avenue.
  • Improve pedestrian crossing at Franklin Avenue.

Both Hennepin and Lyndale are major connector routes for commuters going between downtown Minneapolis and Uptown.It's also a link for drivers attempting to access I-94 and I-394.

Numerous churches and attractions, including the Walker Art Center, the Walker Sculpture Garden, Loring Park and Parade Stadium leave little or no room for expanding the roadway.