Safe Routes to School Project

Project typePublic Works
Project status/phasePreliminary Design
Project scheduleConstruction Spring/Summer 2026
Project area7th Street and 61st Avenue near Commons Park

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Improvements Project includes the construction of a shared-use trail, intersection modifications and other improvements along 61st Avenue, 7th Street and other locations adjacent to Fridley Middle School and Hayes Elementary School. This project is made possible, in part, due to funding made available through the Metropolitan Council Active Transportation Grant.

Current Project Update

Current project updates will be posted when available.

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Project Details

The City of Fridley is proposing to apply for grant funding through the Regional Solicitation program for priority projects listed in the approved SRTS plans for Hayes Elementary School and Fridley Middle School including:

An 8'-10' wide trail connection on the eastside of 7th Street between 61st Avenue and Mississippi Street connecting the existing 7th Street trail to Mississippi Street
An 8' to 10' wide trail connection on the northside of 61st Avenue between University Avenue and Fridley Middle School replacing the existing sidewalk
An 8' to 10' wide trail connection on the northside of Commons Park and Fridley Middle School connecting 7th Street and Jackson Street
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at the intersections of 7th Street and Monroe Street with Mississippi Street

These projects will fill gaps within the City’s existing trail network and improve crossings for local roads.

Safe Routes to School Grant Application

In 2023, the City of Fridley submitted an application for federal funding through the Metropolitan Council Active Transportation Grant regional solicitation program for the proposed Safe Routes to School improvements identified with the project. In 2024, the City was awarded the maximum percentage of grant funding for the project in the amount of $1,000,000. For more information, please see the City’s Regional Solicitation grant application:

City of Fridley Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Regional Solicitation Grant Application(PDF, 21MB)

Project Background

Safe Routes to School Plans

In 2017, the City of Fridley and Fridley Public Schools collaborated to update Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plans to increase opportunities for area students to walk, bike, and roll to school. These plans outline priority infrastructure as well as programmatic and educational strategies to be implemented by the City and Fridley Public Schools. SRTS projects completed to date include the construction of the West Moore Lake Drive Trail (Medtronic Parkway to 61st Avenue), 7th Street Trail (53rd Avenue to 61st Avenue), 61st Avenue flashing stop signs and new bike parking.

You can find more information on the importance of increasing walking and biking to school, current barriers to walking and biking to school, and identified priority projects within the approved SRTS Plans: