Snelling Avenue Lane Conversion

Project Background and Design Goal

The segment of Snelling Avenue between Ford Parkway and Montreal Avenue is currently a four-lane road with parking that has excess capacity existing traffic, creating safety risks for both vehicles and pedestrians. A redesign is proposed to convert it to a three-lane configuration with a center channelized turning lanes and no parking. The drainage system will also be reevaluated to ensure proper catch basin spacing under the new geometry. All design work will follow standards set by MnDOT, Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines, Ramsey County, and the City of St. Paul. This project aims to create a safer traffic environment for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

Design Constraints

• SAFETY - Pedestrians need safer paths to cross Snelling Avenue
• RIGHT-OF-WAY - All parts of the project shall stay within the current row
• CRASHES - The crash index shall be reduced to less than 1.0
• STORMWATER QUALITY - Stormwater shall be properly rerouted into the current system and permeable/non permeable surfaces will be accounted for

Design Outcomes

The final design for this project was developed based on applicable design standards, analysis of the surrounding community, and review of similar projects. The proposed design includes a three-lane roadway, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, and a shared-use path on the east side, all modeled using Bentley OpenRoads Designer. 

Download the project summary (PDF file).