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Sep 17, 2009 7:21 pm US/Central
Hennepin Avenue Tests Two-Way Conversion
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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Drivers on Hennepin Avenue got a taste of what will happen when the city changes the street from a one-way to a two-way.
AP
Phase two of the transportation makeover in downtown Minneapolis starts next month, meaning drivers will soon have to get used to going two ways on Hennepin Avenue.
One ways will turn into two way streets on both Hennepin and First avenues and city leaders say it will be easier to navigate and should shorten some trips.
The city's public works department wanted to get drivers used to the two way switch, so they set up a test area. But it seems, that's only confusing drivers.
"It's a little overwhelming," said Colleen Nagel, who works downtown. "You have to concentrate a little more."
It's back to the future for Hennepin and First avenues, said Minneapolis City Council member Sandra Colvin Roy.
"It was two way when I was in high school," she said.
Back then, the environmental protection agency was concerned with the air quality in downtown Minneapolis. So turning the streets into one-way lowered the near dangerous high levels of pollution.
"Cars have been so improved that we can go back to two way and the air will still be clean enough," Colvin Roy said.
Downtown entertainment spots asked for the change to drum up business. Planners said it will allow for more direct access to hot spots.
"If they don't remove the parking meters, then it will probably be a little too congested," said commuter Laura Peppin.
The meters will stay, but there will be no parking during morning and evening rush hours.
The bike lane on Hennepin also remains and one will be added to First.
"We cross the streets a lot so my main concern is we're so used to it being a one way we just cut across and all of a sudden, bam, somebody's there," Nagel said.
In order to make Hennepin and First avenues safer for pedestrians, stop lights will be replaced with countdown stop lights.
But as with anything, change can cause confusion.
"There's already so many accidents as it is on First Avenue, just not used to traffic going both ways," Nagel said. "It's a little bit of a concern."
The real conversion takes place the weekend of Oct. 10. Prior to that, there will be a couple of public meetings for those who want to learn more about it.
Click
here to read more about the informational meetings.
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