Drivers Need Patience as Work Begins at Busy Maple Grove Intersection

Drivers and pedestrians navigating Maple Grove’s commercial district should prepare for delays over the coming months as work gets underway on a $2.8 million infrastructure upgrade at the busy intersection of Hemlock Lane and Elm Creek Boulevard.

While Hennepin County will not implement full road closures or detours, traffic is currently restricted from two lanes down to one in both directions, already causing noticeable backups in the area.

A Hennepin County map of the construction project at Hemlock Lane and Elm Creek Boulevard in Maple Grove.

High Crash Volume Prompts Safety Overhaul

The project was targeted for improvement as part of a county-wide effort to address high-risk roadways. According to Hennepin County crash data, 78 crashes were reported at the signalized intersection over a five-year analysis period (2019–2023).

This total exceeds the statewide average crash rate for similar signalized intersections. While none of the crashes were fatal, the area has seen an elevated number of rear-end collisions.

Key Improvements & Accessibility Features

To address the high collision rate, county engineers are narrowing the roadway to manage traffic speed and introducing dedicated turning lanes to prevent rear-end crashes. Crews will also reduce the north side of the intersection by one lane.  

“We’re trying to improve safety by making the intersection slightly smaller, so that speeds are reduced and pedestrians can cross the intersection safer, including people who bike and roll, too,” said Stan Lim, Hennepin County Project Engineer.

Lane closures at the intersection of Elm Creek Boulevard and Hemlock Lane are causing significant backups.

The redesign includes several major structural and accessibility upgrades:

• Dedicated turn lanes: added to reduce rear-end collisions caused by sudden stops.
• Shorter pedestrian crossings: narrower lanes reduce the distance and time non-motorized travelers spend in live traffic.
• ADA-compliant upgrades: modernized pedestrian ramps to meet federal standards.
• Audible push buttons: sound-assisted crossing indicators for visually impaired pedestrians.

Related: Safety Measures Offered for ‘Challenging’ Maple Grove Intersection

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