We studied Hwy 61 from I-94 to Lower Afton Rd. in St. Paul to determine what safety, mobility and accessibility improvements are needed for the study area. We looked at data on current traffic volumes, vehicle turning movements, crashes, and conducted traffic forecasting and modeling to determine if existing intersections need to change. We also gathered input from communities close to the study area on their safety, mobility and accessibility needs.
Using data and community feedback, we created and evaluated improvements that will be incorporated into a 2027 resurfacing project, as well as additional improvements to be considered in the short and long term. The long-term improvements will need additional study and development.
Summary of work
Collected input from the public about their safety, mobility and accessibility needs
Assessed current traffic volumes, vehicle turning movements, crashes, and traffic forecasting and modeling
Developed and evaluated options for a 2027 highway resurfacing project
Created an implementation plan for a 2027 resurfacing project
Study findings
Engagement summary
During the study we conducted two rounds of public engagement to listen to residents, stakeholders and those who travel along and across the study area. During round one we gathered feedback from the public on their transportation needs, and safety and accessibility concerns through public meetings, an online survey, community events and presentations to community groups. The three highest-ranked priorities for survey respondents were improving safety, travel time / congestion, and access to parks and trails.
During the second round of engagement, we gathered feedback from the public on the short and long-term ideas for improving safety, mobility and accessibility. We collected this feedback through a public meeting, an online survey, community events and presentations to community groups. There were 1,149 responses to the survey. Respondents generally agreed that the proposed improvements would do either a fair or a good job at addressing safety and mobility needs, and the improvements would improve walkability and bikeability throughout the study area.
Study needs
Using data collected on the existing conditions of the road and public input, we identified the transportation needs for the study area. Transportation needs help define the purpose of proposed future improvements. The needs for this study were:
Safety
Mobility
Walkability/bikeability
Improvements
We heard that safety for all users, congestion, and access to local parks and trails were priorities for the public. Information gathered from the public during engagement, and the existing conditions and study area needs were used to develop and analyze the improvements. Improvements include:
Completed improvements
Tree and vegetation removal along
Eastbound Warner Rd. to southbound Hwy 61
Eastbound I-94 to southbound Hwy 61
Trail installation on the east side of Hwy 61 between Burns Ave. and I-94
Improvements to be completed as part of the 2027 resurfacing project
Remove the free right, and realign and upgrade the pedestrian ramps to be ADA compliant at Burns Ave.
Sidewalk construction from Hwy 61 to Scenic Overlook Dr. at Burns Ave.
Trail construction between Burns Ave. and Warner Rd. on the west side of Hwy 61 to provide continued trail access
Improve striping to new standards at Warner Rd. and Afton Rd.
Remove the free right from southbound Hwy 61 to westbound Warner Rd. and modifying the free right turn from eastbound Warner Rd to southbound Hwy 61 to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians and bikers
Removal of the pedestrian crossing across Hwy 61 on the south side of Warner Rd.
Upgrade the pedestrian ramps and sidewalks to be ADA compliant at Lower Afton Rd.
Long-term improvements
Ideas for longer-term improvements were also developed and analyzed as a part of this study. Future studies will be needed to further refine and determine these long-term solutions in the study area. To learn more about the proposed long-term improvements, watch the recording of the March 2025 public meeting.
What comes next
The improvements that will be incorporated into the 2027 resurfacing project are being incorporated into the design process. Sign up for email updates to receive information and updates on the 2027 construction project.
Long-term improvements ideas will need to undergo further study and development.
