After months of discussion and delays, the St. Paul City Council on Wednesday approved a bike lane project to connect W. 7th Street to Mississippi River Boulevard.
Council members voted 6-1 in favor of the project that will add striping, signs, sidewalks, traffic-calming elements and other improvements to Jefferson Avenue. The vote came after a lengthy hearing, which was dominated by supporters.
Council Member Pat Harris, whose ward includes Mac/Groveland, was the no vote.
Although there are many good parts of the project, he said, he thought it could have a "bigger bang" on a different street.
Much of the opposition to the project has come from people who live between Lexington Avenue and Mississippi River Boulevard, with safety and congestion on narrower streets being a main concern.
The project's cost is $1 million. The city is contributing $250,000, and a $750,000 federal grant will make up the rest. Construction could happen this year.
Other action
The council approved a $55,000 settlement with a woman who broke her knee while walking along a boulevard near Midway Stadium. LaVerne Dickhudt claimed the city was negligent in maintaining the area. By settling,, the city doesn't admit liability.
