Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project

Phase 2 of Project Study Nearly Complete
The City of St. Louis Park is taking the lead to solve the congestion and safety issues at the Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue intersection. The City obtained federal funding in 2008 to improve the operation of the existing intersection. Since the City received the funding, they will take the lead, working in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The overall goal of the project is to provide a safe, functional, urban interchange which is sensitive to the community needs while balancing the needs of the regional transportation system.

Development of the project will be phased over time, providing opportunity for City Council, Mn/DOT, business and citizen input.

The first phase of the Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue Interchange project, preliminary scoping/concept design, is nearly complete. The City of St. Louis Park and its partners, in conjunction with consultant SEH, have evaluated 10 concept designs, seven grade-separated interchange designs and three at-grade intersection designs. Based on input from the public and all involved stakeholders, two concept designs have been selected as finalists for the preferred concept.

What's Next?
Selection of a preferred concept will mark the completion Phase 2 of the study. Phase 3 will consist of preliminary design and environmental assessment of the preferred concept. Initiation of Phase 3 will occur only upon approval from City Council. If approved, it is anticipated Phase 3 would begin in February of March of 2010 and take about one year to complete.

For more information, please review our first Project Newsletter.