Old Cedar Avenue Traffic and Intersection Study

UPDATE 6/30/23: Signal Removal Trial – 90^th Street & Old Cedar Avenue

The 90-day trial for removing the traffic signal at this intersection is now complete. Staff have continued to monitor this intersection throughout the trial and have confirmed that it is operating adequately under all-way stop control. Based on the age and condition of the traffic signal, the signal warrant analysis and traffic study, and the results of the traffic signal removal device trial, the Staff recommendation is to proceed with removing the traffic signal and replace it with an all-way stop control.

A rendering of what the intersection will look like after construction is complete in late summer is posted to on the right. Click the image to enlarge.

UPDATE 4/21/23: Signal Removal Trial Update at 90th St & Old Cedar Ave 

Since the trial began, staff and residents have noted confusion over right-of-way at the intersection, despite modifying signage to increase visibility and conspicuity. While no crashes have occurred, staff will be converting the intersection to all-way stop control starting Friday 4/21, and expect to maintain all-way stop control for the duration of the trial. Modifications of this nature are part of the trial and can provide insight into how the intersection should operate if the signal is removed. Staff will continue to monitor the intersection for the duration of the trial and make adjustments as needed.

UPDATE: 3/1/23: Traffic Signal Removal Trial at 90th St and Old Cedar Ave

Reason for Removal:

• The traffic signal at 90^th St and Old Cedar Ave is 50 years old and nearing the end of its expected lifespan.

• The Traffic Study completed in 2022 determined that the traffic signal is no longer needed.
• Instead of replacing the signal, the City will be removing it and the intersection will become a two-way stop, allowing north-south traffic to continue through the intersection and requiring east-west traffic to stop.

Schedule:

• April - June 2023: Traffic Signal Removal Trial

1. The traffic signal heads will be covered and stop signs will be installed on the east-west approaches as part of a 90-day trial.
2. Residents can submit comments to 952-563-4914 by June 30.

• July - Fall 2023: Construction

1. If no issues arise during the 90-day trial trial, the traffic signal will be removed in conjunction with the Pavement Overlay project
2. The Pavement Overlay project will also be converting Old Cedar Avenue from a four lane roadway to a three lane roadway

UPDATE: 9/12/22

• City Council adopted the recommendations of the study which include conversion of Old Cedar Avenue (86th Street to Old Shakopee Road) to a three lane roadway, and reconstruction of the Old Shakopee Road at Old Cedar Avenue intersection as a signalized intersection with dedicated turn lanes.

UPDATE: 8/30/22

The proposed recommendations from the Old Cedar Avenue Traffic and Intersection Study include:

• Include with 2023 Pavement Management Program project:
  • Conversion of Old Cedar Avenue (86th Street to Old Shakopee Road) from a four lane to a three lane roadway
• Include as a 2027 construction project (or when federal funding becomes available)
  • Reconstruction of the Old Shakopee Road at Old Cedar Avenue intersection as a signalized intersection with dedicated turn lanes
• See Timeline (on the right) for next opportunities for public engagement.

Corridor Alternatives:

Converting a roadway from a 4-lane to a 3-lane roadway is an efficient way to improve safety for all users without sacrificing mobility. Safety benefits include reducing outlier speeders, separating left turning traffic from thru traffic, reducing crossing exposure for pedestrians, and providing shoulder space for bicyclists and transit stops.

Intersection Alternatives

The intersection of Old Shakopee Rd & Old Cedar Ave has experienced a long-term crash issue associated with left turning vehicles. The two alternatives below would help mitigate this crash issue.

Turn Lanes at SignalRoundabout

Crash Study/Safety Issues

The Old Cedar Avenue Traffic and Intersection study team wants to understand what current issues you experience and what opportunities you see with walking, biking or driving along Old Cedar Ave corridor. Scroll down to take a short survey and share your thoughts on the comment map. 

The team will keep you informed by updating this project page, listen to your input and provide feedback on how the public input influenced the final project. 

The City of Bloomington is studying the corridor to determine the best way to use the roadway to meet the current and future needs of users. In 2023, Old Cedar Avenue between East 87th Street and East Old Shakopee Road is scheduled for an overlay project as part of the City’s Pavement Management Program. In addition to the overlay project, the City is working to obtain funding for a Safety Improvement project at the intersection of E Old Shakopee Rd and Old Cedar Avenue (estimated to be constructed in 2027).

Improvements to Old Cedar Avenue need to balance how it serves its residential uses and commuters, particularly on the south end with the busy E Old Shakopee Road intersection. Determining a preferred cross-section for the corridor will create an environment that serves all modes of transportation into the future.

This Traffic and Intersection Study is an opportunity to engage with those who travel the Old Cedar Avenue corridor to better understand current needs, address any existing safety issues, and to determine the best way to use the existing pavement to develop a preferred design for the corridor. In addition to determining the optimal use of the existing curb-to-curb space, other long-term improvements will be considered through input received from community members and corridor stakeholders.

Old Cedar Avenue is a four-lane undivided roadway and is identified as a major collector between East 86th Street and East Old Shakopee Road. The road carries between 4,700 and 8,600 vehicles per day. Based on an initial look, there might be opportunities to repurpose the existing pavement.

The Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail runs along the west side of Old Cedar Avenue from American Boulevard to Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. There is an existing sidewalk along the east side of Old Cedar Avenue from 86th Street to just north of East Old Shakopee Road.

The corridor has a mix of low-density and medium-density residential land-uses. The study area includes a diverse group of local businesses and multiple communities of faith. The area also serves many commuters, including transit users, walkers, bikers, and vehicle drivers.