Traffic Study: West 98th St & I-35W

August 23 Update: A draft traffic report for the W98th Street and I35W Interchange has been posted. Click the button to the right to read the report. This report will be presented to the City Council on Monday, August 28 at their regular meeting.

June 2023 Update: Thank you to everyone who participated in the open houses and provided online comments for this project! Your input has helped us develop designs that meet community needs and address the projects goals and objectives. Watch this space for a summary of the second open house and a final recommended layout later this summer.

The City of Bloomington has been working with Hennepin County, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and Metro Transit to address safety and mobility needs along West 98th Street between James Avenue on the west and Lyndale Avenue on the east. The study looks to re-envision the corridor across I-35W to provide enhanced facilities for all users and better connect City Hall and the Civic Plaza to the 98th Street Transit Station and Lyndale Avenue. The product of this study is a future design that improves safety and mobility for people who drive, walk, bike, and roll. The study goals are:

• Improve safety for all users
• Improve access, comfort and convenience for people walking, biking and rolling
• Maintain mobility for vehicles, especially transit
• Enhance the transit station area
• Support area land use and redevelopment plans
• Emphasize engagement with communities of color, people with low-income, people with disabilities, older adult populations, and people who walk and bike

With input from the general public and other stakeholders, the study has evaluated transportation alternatives for this segment of W. 98th Street and has recommended the mid- and long-term design improvements linked below. With the vision complete, City staff will be coordinating with agency partners to identify funding.