What will make Hiawatha/46th intersection safer?

MnDOT is making $2.6 million in pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements to the intersections of Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave. and 46th St. E. and 45th St. E. in Minneapolis. MnDOT held a community event on April 10th at the Lake Nokomis Community Center. This is the design phase of the project and construction is expected to take place in 2026.

Summary of work

• Constructing pedestrian refuge islands and reconstructing turn lanes on the southeast and northwest corners of Hiawatha Ave. and 46th St. E.
• Removing the eastbound right lane on 46th St. E. (west of Hiawatha Ave.) to reduce pedestrian crossing distance across 46th St. E. and to realign the Hiawatha Trail crossing the railroad tracks
• Replacing the traffic signals at 46th St. E. and adding a pedestrian signal at 45th St. E.
• Adding crosswalks to the north and south sides of 45th St. E. at Hiawatha Ave.
• Adding fencing to the median between 45th St. E. and 46th St. E.

According to the e-newsletter of Ward 12 Council Member Aurin Chowdhury: "I advocated for a signalized pedestrian crossing on 45th St. and brought forward an idea for potential fencing along the median of 46th & Hiawatha to deter the dangerous pedestrian crossings that occur mid block and have lead to crashes & injury. MnDOT held a community event on April 10th at the Lake Nokomis Community Center, where they shared information about the proposed pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements to the Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave. and 46th St. E. and 45th St. E. intersections."

There are some neighbors near the light rail site that are advocating for the closure of the access point to the light rail station at E. 45th St near 35th Ave west of Hiawatha from the neighborhood street, and they've put up signs supporting that viewpoint. Others believe that access to this public infrastructure and space is important to continue making a more livable, walkable city.