MnDOT shares design for University Ave. N.E. in Minneapolis

Designs include improvements for the intersections of Broadway St. N.E. and Lowry Ave. N.E., based on input from thousands of community members

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the design for University Ave. N.E. (Highway 47) from Central Ave. S.E. to 27th Ave. N.E. in Minneapolis. The design, which will increase safety and make the road easier for everyone to travel on, is informed by community feedback from more than 2,500 people and includes changes for the intersections of University Ave. N.E. at Broadway St. N.E. and Lowry Ave. N.E.

Highlights of the design include:

Shifting the intersection of University Ave. N.E. and Lowry Ave. N.E. to the south.
Keeping the signal and removing the separate right turn in the southwest corner of the intersection of University Ave. N.E. and Broadway St. N.E.
Narrowing University Ave. N.E. from four lanes to three lanes.
Creating boulevards to separate sidewalks from the road.
Adding curb extensions on side streets.
Adding a bike lane between Central Ave. and 1st Ave., as part of the City of Minneapolis’ Transportation Action Plan.
Adding medians between travel lanes in select places.
Removing on-street parking along much of the road. Key parking areas will be kept between Central Ave. and 1st Ave., near 6th Ave. N.E. and University Ave. N.E., and near 18th Ave. N.E. and University Ave. N.E.

More information about the designs is available on the project webpage.

In 2024, MnDOT shared proposed changes to University Ave. N.E. based on past studies and community input. MnDOT then revised the proposed design, including updating where medians would be placed and keeping on-street parking in key places.

In 2025, MnDOT shared several proposed design concepts for the Lowry Ave. N.E. and Broadway St. N.E. intersections. The two intersections have the highest crash rates in the corridor and many safety issues that need to be addressed. Thousands of people shared their priorities for the intersection, including safety, potential property impacts, and driver and pedestrian experience.

Later this year, MnDOT will seek municipal consent from the City of Minneapolis. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with potential utility work in 2026.

Accessibility

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL or foreign language interpreter, documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print), or other reasonable accommodations for this event, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720

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