ST. PAUL – Today, the House Capital Investment Committee will discuss a bill authored by Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley), that includes $5.4 million for railway and highway safety improvements for pedestrian and bicycle trails in Dakota County.
“All Minnesotans deserve a safe and reliable transportation system, no matter which mode of transportation serves them best,” said Rep. Bierman. “With pedestrian injuries and fatalities on the rise, now more than ever, we need to prioritize investments that ensure safe infrastructure for everyone.”
The legislation would allow for right-of-way acquisition and to predesign, design, engineer, and construct pedestrian-safety-related improvements including grade-separated crossings as part of the North Creek Regional Greenway in Apple Valley.
The North Creek Regional Greenway is a 14-mile trail that will go through Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington, and Empire Township. This will connect destinations such as Lebanon Hills Regional Park, the Minnesota Zoo, the Vermillion River, parks, schools, and regional centers. These funds focus on providing grade-separated crossings at high traffic roads and highways including at County Road 42. The total project cost is estimated to be $8.4 million. Dakota County’s planned contribution is $3 million.
Statistics from the State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety show that despite fewer cars being on the road in 2021, Minnesota still saw 498 deaths in traffic related crashes. 58 of those were pedestrian related fatalities, which averages more than one death a week. Last year, a Dakota County resident was killed while he was riding his bicycle along the shoulder of County Road 42 and 145th Street West in Rosemount.
The legislation is being considered for possible inclusion to a larger Local Jobs and Projects bill.
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