Hennepin County Starts County Road 81 Landscaping
Workers have already started an ambitious $1.3 million landscaping project that extends from Robbinsdale, through Crystal, and into Brooklyn Park. Motorists can expect to see hardy perennials growing in new median planters.
Hennepin County is in the process of updating 5 miles of medians on Highway 81.
“We are restoring the landscape primarily in the medians,” says John Evans, the Assistant Director of Hennepin County Environment and Energy. “A mix of hardy perennials, shrubs and trees will be planted. These plants are suited to survive in this environment.”
Less Maintenance in the Future
The project will also change the soil and add an irrigation systems to support the new landscaping. The county will take care of the medians for the first 3 years. After that, each city will take over the routine maintenance.
“This is an attempt to both install a landscape that’s sustainable and that looks nice,” added Evans. “This project will ultimately requires less maintenance.”
This 1.3 million dollar project will wrap up around June 30th. People who travel on Highway 81 can expect to see temporary lane closures now and then once planting begins but those closure will not take place during rush hour.
