MnDOT Proposes Local Roadway Changes as Part of Highway 252 Freeway Conversion Project

MnDOT Proposes Local Roadway Changes as Part of Highway 252 Freeway Conversion Project

Brooklyn Park, MN — October 19, 2025 — The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has unveiled detailed proposals for local roadway changes as part of its ongoing Highway 252/I-94 study, which plans to convert Highway 252 into a grade-separated freeway. The project team recently provided an update to Brooklyn Park leaders, outlining how the changes aim to improve safety, traffic flow, and multimodal access along the corridor.

Highway 252 Conversion: Addressing Safety and Congestion

The Highway 252 corridor has long faced heavy congestion and a high number of crashes. MnDOT’s proposed conversion involves eliminating ground-level signalized intersections and replacing them with a system of interchanges and access closures. This shift is intended to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, while reducing travel times along the busy corridor.

Recommended Access Combination and Local Impacts

As part of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), MnDOT is recommending "Access Combination 1" for further study. This option is favored because it is projected to minimize property impacts while improving access and safety on both Highway 252 and surrounding local streets in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center.

Key features include:

• Interchanges: Full-access interchanges with on/off ramps are planned at 85th Avenue and Brookdale Drive.
• Access Closures: Certain local streets would no longer provide direct access to the freeway. To maintain cross-highway connectivity, dedicated multi-use trail bridges are planned over Highway 252, including a 70th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and a crossing at 81st/Humboldt Avenue.
• Frontage Roads: Parallel north and south frontage roads are proposed to manage local traffic flow, particularly near Brookdale Drive.

Local Road Safety Enhancements

The freeway conversion is expected to shift traffic patterns on adjacent streets. MnDOT has recommended specific capacity and safety improvements to mitigate potential impacts:

• 85th Avenue: Safety upgrades are proposed between Highway 252 and Noble Parkway. Local enhancements, such as a new trail on the south side extending to Noble Avenue, are under consideration but would require local funding.
• Brookdale Drive: Capacity and safety improvements are planned west of Highway 252 to Humboldt Avenue.

Community Engagement and Next Steps

MnDOT continues to actively engage with Brooklyn Park officials and the public through meetings, pop-up events, and online surveys. Community feedback has played a critical role in shaping the draft design and will continue to inform decisions as the project advances.

The environmental review process is expected to continue through 2026, with a preferred design alternative anticipated for selection that year. Construction is projected to begin in 2029, contingent upon necessary approvals and funding allocations.

Residents and community members can learn more or submit feedback on the project by visiting the MnDOT Highway 252/I-94 Study website.

MinneapoliMedia