Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvements

MnDOT has closed Wayzata Boulevard between Hampshire Avenue and Colorado Avenue.

• The road will remain open for business and resident access.

• Visit MnDOT's project website for more information. 

The Cedar Lake Road Improvements project in St. Louis Park is the culmination of several years of planning by the City of St. Louis Park, with federal and state partners helping to secure additional funding. The reconstruction project for Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue will bring much needed modernization to the roads and provide equitable opportunities for transportation to underserved populations, improve neighborhood livability and replace existing facilities at the end of their useful life.

Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvements project will include the following:

• New pavement
• Intersection improvements at Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue
• Enhancements for people walking and rolling, including curb extensions, raised medians and upgrades to ensure ADA compliance
• Accommodations for people biking
• Streetscape improvements

Phase I of the project (Cedar Lake Road from Highway 169 to Rhode Island Avenue) is complete. 

Phase II of the Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue improvements is broken into two construction seasons. 

• Construction in 2025 (Phase A and B)
  • Louisiana Avenue from Fire Station 2 to Wayzata Boulevard
  • Construction of an underground stormwater treatment structure in Willow Park.
• Construction in 2026 (Phase C and D)
  • Louisiana Avenue from BNSF railroad to Fire Station 2
  • Cedar Lake Road from Rhode Island Avenue to Kentucky Avenue

City council awarded the project at the June 2 council meeting to Park Construction. 

Included in the scope of this project are the reconstruction and narrowing of the roadway, roundabout at the intersection of Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue, construction of new sidewalks, installation of a one-way cycle track on both sides of Cedar Lake Road, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and replacement of city utilities (water, storm and sanitary).

Project map/layouts

• Project overview map(PDF, 356KB)
• Cedar Lake Road
  • Cedar Lake Road Improvements 2024(PDF, 5MB)
  • Cedar Lake Road Improvements 2026(PDF, 6MB)
  • Typical section(PDF, 1MB)
• Louisiana Avenue
  • Project layout(PDF, 5MB)
  • Typical section(PDF, 5MB)
• Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue 
  • Roundabout layout(PDF, 3MB)
• Construction phasing and detour routes(PDF, 698KB)
• Watermain replacement(PDF, 5MB)
• Louisiana Avenue alternate bike route(PDF, 173KB)

Roundabouts in the city

The new roundabout at the intersection of Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue will not be constructed until 2026, but we have many roundabouts currently operating in our city.

Learn more about modern roundabouts and tips for safely navigating them by viewing the videos below.

For more resources on roundabouts, their features and navigation tips, visit roundabouts in Minnesota – MnDOT.

Survey

A "Survey Crew in Area" letter was mailed to the surrounding area on Oct. 7, 2021. The letter informed community members of the upcoming construction, data collection efforts and public engagement process starting in winter/spring 2022.  

Open house #1 - Feb. 23 and Feb, 24, 2022

• Invitation letter was mailed to the surrounding area on Feb. 7, 2022. 
• Open house #1 Feb. 23 – meeting recording
• Open house #1 Feb. 24 – meeting recording

Design development and refinement – spring/summer 2022

In the spring and summer 2022, we were out in the community asking about existing challenges and needs for these two corridors to help inform the development of the initial design concepts to be presented at the upcoming September 2022 open houses. Here’s a summary of what we’ve been up to:

• Engaged community members at four pop-ups/community events.
• Met with stakeholders along the corridor, including Metro Transit, Park Spanish Immersion School District, St. Louis Park Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Transportation, private utility companies and individual property owners.
• Received 550+ comments to date through our interactive map, survey and email/phone.

Open House #2 - Sept. 15 and Sept. 21, 2022

• Invitation postcard was mailed to the surrounding area in August 2022. 
• Open House #2 Sept. 21 – meeting recording
• Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvement design options under consideration
  • Cedar Lake Road
    • Alternative 1 – multiuse trail
    • Alternative 2 – cycle tracks
    • Alternative 3 – buffered bike lanes
  • Louisiana Avenue
    • Alternative 1 – multiuse trail
    • Alternative 2 – cycle tracks  
    • Alternative 3 – alternative route

Open House #3 - Dec. 13 and Dec. 15, 2022

• Invitation postcard was mailed to the surrounding area in November 2022. 
• Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue preferred alternative summary(PDF, 241KB)
  • Cedar Lake Road preferred alternative - cycle tracks
  • Louisiana Avenue preferred alternative - alternate route
• Open House #3 Dec. 13 – virtual meeting recording

Public hearing - Jan. 17, 2023

• Invitation to the public hearing went out on Jan. 3, 2023
• Public and council members questions answered

30% design plans – approved by city council Feb. 6, 2023

• Cedar Lake Road approved design  
• Louisiana Avenue approved design  

Section 4(f) De Minimis public comment period

• Public notice and opportunity for comment was mailed on Nov. 16, 2023. The summary of the notice is that, in accordance with 23 CFR 774.5, the City of St. Louis Park is soliciting comments on the acquisition needs this project would require from Willow Park, Cedar Knoll Park, Northside Park, and Cedar Manor Park. The project would have no impact on any existing park facilities or in any way prohibit common uses of these parks. This project requires easement for the addition of pedestrian/bicycle trails that will minimally encroach on the edges of the four parks. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has made a preliminary determination that the proposed action at Willow Park, Cedar Knoll Park, Northside Park, and Cedar Manor Park is a Section 4(f) de minimis action in accordance with 23 CFR 774.5, conditioned on public review and comment. A de minimis finding is made when uses of Section 4(f) land will have no adverse effect on the protected park and recreational resources.

Open House #4 - Dec. 5, 2023

• Open House #4 invitation letter was mailed to the surrounding area on Nov. 9, 2023.
• Open house #4 Dec. 4 – virtual meeting recording

Section 4(f) De Minimis Impacts to Willow Park: Public Comment Period

• Public notice and opportunity for comment was mailed on Feb. 8, 2024. The summary of the notice is that, in accordance with 23 CFR 774.5, the City of St. Louis Park is soliciting comments on the acquisition needs this project would require from Willow Park. As design advanced on the project, there was a need to identify a new location for the stormwater BMP, which is resulting in a new impact at Willow Park. The new underground stormwater BMP is proposed to be installed underneath the baseball field at Willow Park and an outlet pipe is proposed to be installed east of the BMP. The baseball field will be returned to pre-project functionality after construction is complete. Long-term maintenance of the stormwater infrastructure will likely have occasional minor short-term impacts to park activities during the life of the underground structure.

  The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has made a preliminary determination that the proposed action at Willow Park is a Section 4(f) de minimis action in accordance with 23 CFR 774.5, conditioned on public review and comment. A de minimis finding is made when uses of Section 4(f) land will have no adverse effect on the protected park and recreational resources.

Construction communication 2024

2024 Cedar Lake Road Improvements project newsletter was mailed to the surrounding area in May 2024. The newsletter contained information on schedule/phasing, private utilities in the right of way, weather, busses and emergency services, new concrete, on-street parking, garbage, recycling, organic, mail and deliveries, access, watermain, survey markers, private utility provides and utility flags, as well as general information on safety, construction contacts and what to expect during construction. 

Open House #5 - Dec. 5, 2024

• Open House #5 invitation letter was mailed to the surrounding area on Oct. 23, 2024.
• Project scope overview:
  • In 2025, Louisiana Avenue from the St. Louis Park Fire Station #2 to Wayzata Boulevard will be reconstructed:
    • New pavement including reducing the roadway width for traffic calming.
    • Replacement of segments of watermain, storm sewer and sanitary sewer based on condition and need.
    • New sidewalk on the east side of Louisiana Avenue.
    • Crosswalk enhancements for people walking and rolling, including raised medians and user‐actuated flashing beacons.
    • Replacement of the traffic signal at Franklin Avenue and Louisiana Avenue with user activated flashing beacons (RRFBs) to help pedestrians and bicyclists cross Louisiana Avenue. 
    • Extend the median at the intersection of 14th Street and Louisiana Avenue, restricting access.
    • Removal of existing on street parking. 
    • Construction of ADA improvements and bus refuges at transit stops.
    • The bike facility will parallel Louisiana Avenue, through the neighborhoods on the west and east. This alternate bike route can be used by bicyclists of all ages and all abilities. This option was chosen to also limit tree removals in the corridor.
  • In 2026, Cedar Lake Road from Rhode Island Avenue to Kentucky Avenue and Louisiana Avenue from 23rd Street to the St. Louis Park Fire Station #2 will be reconstructed.
    • New pavement including reducing the roadway width for traffic calming.
    • Replacement of segments of watermain, storm sewer and sanitary sewer based on condition and need.
    • A new cycle track bike facility will be constructed along Cedar Lake Road.
    • New sidewalk on the south side of Cedar Lake Road and the east side of Louisiana Avenue.
    • Crosswalk enhancements for people walking and rolling, including raised medians and RRFBs.
    • Replacing the traffic signal at the intersection of Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue with a roundabout. To enhance pedestrian and bicyclists’ safety at the roundabout crosswalks, RRFBs will be installed at all legs of the intersection.
    • The traffic signal at Nevada Avenue and Cedar Lake Road will be removed and replaced with RRFBs to help pedestrians and bicyclists cross Cedar Lake Road.
    • Construction of ADA improvements and bus refuges at transit stops/ 
• Cedar Lake Road project layout(PDF, 6MB)  
• Louisiana Avenue project layout(PDF, 5MB)  
• Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue roundabout layout(PDF, 3MB)  
• Watermain replacement(PDF, 5MB)
• Louisiana Avenue alternate bike route(PDF, 173KB)

Construction communication 2025

2025-2026 Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvements project newsletter was mailed to the surrounding area in June 2025. The newsletter contained information on schedule/phasing, private utilities in the right of way, weather, busses and emergency services, new concrete, on-street parking, garbage, recycling, organic, mail and deliveries, access, watermain, survey markers, private utility provides and utility flags, as well as general information on safety, construction contacts and what to expect during construction.

Contacts

The City of St. Louis Park understands the unique challenges construction can present to adjacent businesses, including disruptions to customer and delivery access, utility interruptions, and increased noise and dust. To help navigate these challenges, staff from both engineering and economic development are available as resources to assist you throughout the project.

Construction staff

Aaron Wiesen
Engineering project manager
952.924.2673
awiesen@stlouisparkmn.gov

Mark Lockhart
Project coordinator
952.924.2667
mlockhart@stlouisparkmn.gov

Business support staff

Jase Pater
Economic development specialist
952.924.2523
jpater@stlouisparkmn.gov

How to minimize disruption before and during construction

Stay informed

Pay close attention to all communications from the city. Project details may change. Staying updated ensures you can plan and adapt accordingly.

Sign up for weekly construction email updates

Build relationships with city and contractor staff so you know who to contact if issues or questions arise.

Tap into support resources

Elevate Hennepin

Elevate Hennepin is a countywide resource for businesses, which connects business owners to a wide network of tools, programs and expert advisors free of charge.

Services include:

• One-on-one business advising across areas like finance, marketing, operations and human resources.
• Access to specialized programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Group learning opportunities and events tailored to local business needs.

City-provided resources

The city has internal resources and links to external resources to help business succeed. View a list of city-provided resources.

Connect with Jase Pater at jpater@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2523 with questions and to learn more.

Collaborate with nearby businesses

Partner with other local businesses to share updates, coordinate outreach efforts and develop a group strategy for staying in touch with the city and project staff.

Engage your employees

• Meet with your team to discuss the construction timeline and develop strategies to maintain business operations and customer service.
• Encourage staff to help brainstorm creative ways to support and retain customers during construction.
• Train employees to answer customer questions and share consistent messaging about access, hours and service availability.

Communicate with your customers

• Proactively inform your customers about the upcoming construction and how they can still access your business.
• Use signage, flyers and maps to show alternate routes or parking options.
• Work with city staff to install temporary business signage that directs customers safely to your location without interfering with traffic control.
• Leverage your website, social media platforms and email newsletters to keep customers updated and encourage continued support.
• Highlight alternate routes, parking options and any promotions you're offering during construction.

Prepare for dust and noise

Construction can create dust and noise, so plan for more frequent cleaning and consider adjusting operations if needed to maintain a comfortable environment for staff and customers.

Use the time strategically

If you've been thinking about remodeling or making upgrades, consider timing them during the construction period. Coordinating improvements may help reduce disruptions later.

Grant

MnDOT agreement no. 1063699, SAP no. 163-296-007, Local Road Improvement Program, Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvements project

Contacts

Agency leadership

Debra Heiser
Engineering director
952.924.2551
dheiser@stlouisparkmn.gov

Grant manager

Debra Heiser
Engineering director
952.924.2551
dheiser@stlouisparkmn.gov