The Edina City Council voted on Tuesday to suspend ongoing studies and investment plans for a proposed pedestrian underpass along France Avenue, opting instead to explore other options aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
According to the city, approximately 27,000 vehicles travel across the six-lane stretch of France Avenue every day. The proposed underpass would have been located between West 72nd Street and Gallagher Drive, and carried an estimated cost of $20 million.
On Tuesday, the council chose to halt further work on the underpass project and collaborate with Hennepin County to evaluate alternative solutions. Because the county owns France Avenue, any potential changes will require its involvement.
Among the options under consideration are enhancements to crosswalks, reducing the number of traffic lanes, and widening the median to improve pedestrian safety.
The council’s motion authorizes new studies focused on safe pedestrian crossings along France Avenue between 66th and 77th Streets. City staff are expected to report their findings next summer, allowing roughly a year to assess possible improvements.
The motion passed with one dissenting vote. Council member Kate Agnew had previously expressed support for the underpass, citing its potential to better connect Centennial Lakes Park with neighborhoods west of France Avenue.
The council’s decision effectively pauses all investments and studies related to the underpass project until at least June 2027.