A portion of Hwy 55 located in Golden Valley between Hwy 169 and Hwy 100 will be closed for 10 days beginning Wednesday, Oct 4. This is necessary for the construction of a pedestrian underpass and roundabout at the Hwy 55 and Douglas Dr intersection. During the closure, the Hwy 55 detour will use Duluth St, Hwy 100, I-394, and Hwy 169. Please note the following closure details:
WHAT: 10-day road closure for Hwy 55
WHEN: The closure will begin at 6 am Wednesday, Oct 4 and goes until 6 am Saturday, Oct 14. Construction will be continuous during this time.
WHERE: Hwy 55 in both directions between Hwy 169 and Hwy 100
For more information, visit the project website at www.DouglasAnd55.com.
Project Background
As part of the preliminary design process for the 2016 to 2017 Douglas Dr Improvement Project, the City of Golden Valley, Hennepin County, and MnDOT developed concepts to improve the Hwy 55/Douglas Dr intersection. The $6.5 million project was funded in the bonding bill signed by Governor Tim Walz Oct 22, 2020. The project is now being constructed.
Increased Safety
MnDOT published a study in October 2017 that indicated intersections that were replaced with roundabouts reduced severe and fatal crashes by 80 percent. The physical shape eliminates crossing conflicts present at conventional intersections, thus reducing the total number of potential conflict points and the most severe of those conflict points.
Improved Traffic Flow Experience
When operating within their capacity, roundabouts typically have lower overall delay than signalized and all-way stop-controlled intersections. The delay reduction is often most significant during non-peak traffic periods.
Pedestrian Safety
Due to the reduction of vehicle speeds in and around the intersection, roundabouts can improve pedestrian crossing opportunities. The splitter island refuge area provides the ability for pedestrians to focus on one traffic stream at a time while crossing.
Why Roundabouts
Roundabouts have a proven track record in Minnesota and across the country in helping to improve safety and operational efficiency. The Douglas Dr and Hwy 55 intersection fits the criteria to consider a roundabout due to the need for increased safety, improved traffic flow experience, and pedestrian safety.
Project Layout
Detour Route
Douglas Dr Detour Map
Hwy 55 Detour Map
