66th Street Roundabouts
Richfield, MN
WSB was retained by the City of Richfield to assist them in developing plans around two major intersections on 66th Street within the City. At the one intersection, 66th and Richfield Parkway, the City wanted a plan that would
support redevelopment to provide a buffer for residential areas from low frequency noise related to the new north-south runway at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. The City had discussions with many different developers interested in redeveloping this area. Some of the issues that had to be resolved included site access, building orientation, funding, and staging of development. WSB worked with the City, potential developers, and other consultants to develop a plan that included a new collector street (Richfield Parkway) to serve the new commercial development and provide a buffer to the residential areas to the west. A two-lane roundabout was chosen for traffic control at the intersection of the new Richfield Parkway and 66th Street, because it provided the safest intersection with the least delay and allowed the City to develop a gateway into the City of Richfield. WSB designed and managed the construction of the roundabout.
The other intersection, Portland Avenue and 66th Street, had one of the highest intersection crash rates in Hennepin County. The City of Richfield received federal funds to improve the intersection and address safety problems. All
potential alternatives to improve the intersection required acquisition of several businesses and single family homes. After a detailed analysis and evaluation that included multiple Transportation Commission and public meetings, a two-lane roundabout was chosen for this intersection. WSB completed the final plans for the intersection, and managed the construction of the roundabout. Portland Avenue and 66th Street are Hennepin County roadways and therefore required approvals from Hennepin County. WSB worked closely with Hennepin County staff throughout the process to gain their support for the chosen roundabout alternative. WSB also worked closely with property owners and the public to help the City gain public support for the project.
Project Award: 2010 ACEC/MN Engineering Excellence Honor Award
Client: City of Richfield
Completion: 2008
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