Minneapolis City Council approves concept for new Nicollet Avenue

Following two years of community engagement, the Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously Thursday to approve a concept layout for the reconstruction of Nicollet Avenue.

The project will bring mixed-use, walkable redevelopment to the former Kmart site and rejoin Nicollet Avenue between 29th and Lake Street.

City documents argue the layout adopted by the city council prioritizes design elements that promote safe crossings and reinforce safe travel speeds in the area, which has long been a hotspot for serious crashes.

Some pedestrian safety and climate advocates, however, criticized city officials following Thursday's vote for not opting for a car-free street design, which had been studied.

The chosen concept layout calls for reconnecting Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane, with an improved bridge over the Midtown Greenway.

The plan also recommends reconstructing Cecil Newman Lane between Nicollet Avenue and 1st Avenue South and adding an ADA-accessible ramp to the Midtown Greenway from 1st Avenue South.

During Tuesday's meeting, Council Vice-President Aisha Chughtai, who represents Ward 10, said nearly 18,000 residents participated in public engagement related to the concept layout across 62 city-hosted events and an online survey.

"This project has been many years in the making and a long time coming," she said, adding she's excited for the city to make holistic investments in improving transit safety, walkability and bikeability in the area.

Construction is on track to begin as soon as 2025.