Linking up the last part of the Grand Rounds trail would create a continuous pedestrian and biking loop around the city.
A newly proposed master plan for Minneapolis includes details for a five-mile link that would close the gap in the city’s Grand Rounds trail, reports Jessica Lee. If the last leg is completed, the route would extend the now 50-mile trail and provide a continuous loop around the city.
Lee says that city officials by 2009 had made five unsuccessful attempts to build the extension. This latest effort is part of the East of the River Park Master Plan and would connect trails in the southeast and northeast of the city.
Stakeholders generally agree about what should happen on the north and south ends of the proposed extension. The middle section, however, would include land owned by the University of Minnesota, which is not fully on board with the plan. The route would also traverse a BNSF Railway rail yard and require the construction of bridges, a costly prospect, notes Lee.
The city’s park and recreation board will vote on the master plan in February. If approved, it will continue on to the Metropolitan Council, the Minneapolis regional planning organization, which oversees funding for the trail.
FULL STORY: Momentum building to fill in Grand Rounds’ missing link
New Bus Rapid Transit Route Breaks Ground in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities are on a mission to become the bus rapid transit capital of the United States. The latest improvement to advance that ambition broke ground earlier this week.
Minneapolis LRT Facing Delays, Cost Increases
Construction on the Kenilworth Tunnel has been plagued by problems and threatens the foundation of a nearby condo complex.
Twin Cities Climate Vulnerability: Extreme Heat
State climatologists are highly confident that heat waves are likely to trend upwards in future summers in Minnesota. To address extreme heat, researchers are identifying the factors that exacerbate extreme heat.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)