Safety Improvements Coming to Hwy. 55 in Plymouth
A federal grant will help jump-start infrastructure improvements that includes an underpass and bus platforms to an area around Highway 55 and County Road 73 in Plymouth.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) visited with Plymouth city leaders Saturday to talk about federal funding that will pay more than half of the cost of the project.
“It’s just seen as completely do-able in a suburb that is thriving and growing,” said Klobuchar. “It had all the elements that you need to get it done.”
The federal RAISE grant is from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Improvements will include:
- Addition of bus platforms on Highway 55
- Pedestrian safety features for crossing Highway 55, including a trail underpass
- Paved connections to the Eagle to Bryant Lake Regional Trail system
- Mobility upgrades at Station 73, including wayfinding, a bike fix-it station, electric bike and scooter charging area, and dedicated area for ridesharing and ride hailing
- Realignment of County Road 73 to improve traffic flow and roadway connection
- Relocation of driveways for business accessibility
- Roundabout at the intersection of South Shore Drive and 10th Avenue North
Rendering of Bus Station Platform along Hwy. 55. Courtesy: City of Plymouth
Mayor Jeff Wosje says the improvements will help Highway 55 become a safer space for pedestrians.
“You take your life in your hands if you are trying to cross Highway 55 with all of the traffic,” said Wosje.
Wosje also says the emphasis on Highway 55 will help people commute in and out of the city, and the RAISE grant will help jump-start the project.
“It allows us to do all of the improvements,” said Wosje. “Without this money, we wouldn’t be able to jump-start this project.”
To pay for the reminder of the project, $2.7 million will come from MnDOT federal funds and $8.6 million will come from the city of Plymouth, Hennepin County, the Three Rivers Park District, and the Metropolitan Council. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 with the project’s finish date scheduled for fall 2026.
There will also be an opportunity for citizens to give community feedback and engagement this year.
To learn more, click here.
See also: Stretch of Highway 55 in Plymouth Will Receive Upgrades
