Proposed makeover on Bryant Avenue in south Minneapolis has some upset

A proposed road construction project in south Minneapolis is supposed to add a bike lane and green space, but what it’s taking away has some businesses and residents upset.

A 2½-mile stretch of Bryant Avenue South between West Lake and 50th streets is up for a major makeover, but implementing a plan that works for everyone is a bumpy road.

The plan would change the stretch to a one-way, add a bike lane and add about three acres of green space along the corridor.

But it also calls for rerouting bus lines and eliminating 48% of on-street parking, a change that upsets some business owners and residents.

"Keep it the way it is. Use the money for a homeless shelter or for people who need access to service," said Sue Olson, who is legally blind and lives on Bryant for access to the bus lines.

But city transportation planners say the concept will make the street more livable and resilient to climate change.

"This is a big change but we are facing challenges here in Minneapolis and across the nation," said Liz Heyman, a senior transportation planner for Minneapolis. "Climate change is here to stay. If we don’t start making investments in resilient transportation networks today, our way of life is really going to be threatened in the city."

If the plan is approved by the mayor, construction could begin in early 2022 and last two years.