Highway 55 to go down to 1 lane each direction this week

Drivers in Minneapolis who take Highway 55 will have fewer available lanes this week.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), crews will install temporary pedestrian safety features along the roadway between Bryant and Thomas avenues north starting Tuesday, Aug. 9.

The work will restrict the highway from three lanes to one lane in each direction, running Tuesday through Monday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

In addition, the agency says the highway will be reduced to two lanes in both directions during those same days from 3 p.m. to 9 a.m.

The safety features, MnDOT says, will help narrow the road, which creates shorter crossings and increased visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.

MnDOT adds it will be evaluating the safety features’ effectiveness through Friday, Nov. 4, and the roadway will continue to have two lanes available in each direction through that date.

CLICK HERE to provide feedback on the project, which is estimated to cost $250,000.

A map of the work area can be found below.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the project.