MINNEAPOLIS — To fix what city leaders call a dangerous intersection, officials in Little Canada have proposed the reconfiguration of a frontage road near I-35E, although some residents and business owners are pushing back against the plan.
The proposal, which would total more than $10 million from various funding sources, is in the early stages. However, according to a preliminary design presented to the city council last month, a stretch of Country Drive near the highway would be moved about a block west, with a new roundabout implemented to redirect traffic northbound.
City Administrator Chris Heineman said the intersection near I-35E, Country Drive and Little Canada Road is an "area of conflict." Citing a high rate of crashes, including two recent ones involving bikes, he said drivers are often confused by the double stoplight and sharp turn from the I-35E off-ramp onto the frontage road.
"This has been a difficult intersection for many, many years," Heineman said. "There are both vehicle and traffic issues at this intersection, that have been really increasing over the years."
The plan would still need city council approval, and if the project is given the green light, construction wouldn't start until 2026.
However, opposition against the proposal has formed from some businesses and residents in the area, because of the proposed roundabout that would straddle properties including a condominium complex and a longtime bar.
The bar, known as Gordies Place, has been operating in Little Canada since 1936. Calling the establishment a "generational bar," Gordies general manager Kim Battisto said the proposed roundabout would have a major impact on the business, since it would cut through the back of the property where they hold bags competitions.
According to Battisto, Gordies has the largest bags league in the Twin Cities.
"The City of Little Canada, they think that's okay, that we'd still be able to operate, but we would not," Battisto said. "These outdoor games are our lifeblood for the summer. That's what gets us through the summer months."
Meanwhile, at the Fleur Royale Condominiums, Board of Directors member Bruce Bester said the project would severely impact the quality of life on a "24-7" basis, due to noise and light from the roundabout near their condos.
He acknowledged that the nearby intersection needs to be fixed to improve safety, but said it shouldn't come at the cost of the condo residents. He proposed a different solution to create a dead-end on the existing Country Road, which he said would save the city money.
"Fleur Royale, Gordies, and the city – we all want to act as partners and get this thing fixed," Bester said.
Chris Heineman, the city administrator, said he's sensitive to concerns from residents and business owners. He said the city, county and state explored other options for the interchange near I-35E, but that none of those other plans were seen as feasible by all parties.
He said the city is negotiating with property owners about the early design plans.
"It is still a very preliminary proposal," Heineman said, "so yes, we are still vetting other options."