Fridley, Anoka County Advance Safety Upgrade With New Compact Roundabout on Mississippi Street

Anoka County and the City of Fridley are moving forward with a federally funded safety overhaul at one of the city’s most collision-prone intersections, replacing the four-way stop at Mississippi Street NE (CSAH 6) and 7th Street NE with a compact roundabout designed to significantly reduce crashes and improve traffic flow.

The County Board recently approved a joint powers agreement with Fridley, formalizing the partnership for design, construction, and project coordination. The improvement is part of a broader safety initiative along the Mississippi Street corridor and is supported by federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds.

A Federally Supported Project With Local Impact

The roundabout is the centerpiece of a larger improvement package that also includes reconstruction of Mississippi Street between 5th Street NE and 7th Street NE, upgraded drainage infrastructure, new signage, and ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps at key crossings.

• Total Project Cost: Approximately $1.775 million
• Federal HSIP Funding Awarded (2022): Approximately $1.08 million
• Local Cost Share: Split between Anoka County and the City of Fridley

The county successfully secured HSIP funding after documenting rising crash rates at the intersection and identifying a compact roundabout as the most effective, cost-efficient safety solution.

Why a Roundabout? Safety Data Drove the Decision

The Mississippi and 7th Street intersection has seen increasing crash activity in recent years. While not the site of fatal crashes, the pattern of right-angle and turning collisions pointed to a need for redesign rather than continued four-way-stop control.

Transportation research consistently shows that compact roundabouts:

• Reduce total crashes and dramatically reduce fatal and severe-injury crashes.
• Cut vehicle conflict points from 32 in a traditional intersection to just 8.
• Slow vehicles to safer speeds by design, not by enforcement.
• Improve traffic flow, especially during peak commuting hours.
• Offer safer pedestrian crossings, allowing walkers to navigate only one lane at a time using a center refuge island.

County engineers cited these benefits in the HSIP application and in public presentations during project development.

Construction Timeline: Earlier Than Originally Projected

While some early planning documents referenced a 2026 construction timeframe, the project moved forward faster due to federal funding and bidding schedules.

• August 2025: The Anoka County Board awarded a construction contract of roughly $2.08 million to Forest Lake Contracting, consistent with updated cost estimates at the time of bidding.
• August–October 2025: Construction occurred, including storm sewer installation, pavement removal, grading, curb and sidewalk preparation, and full intersection closure for roundabout installation.
• November 2025: Anoka County reported the compact roundabout was open to traffic, with only minor finishing work remaining.
• Spring 2026: Turf establishment and final landscape restoration will be completed.

The earlier projected “summer 2026” construction date reflected preliminary scheduling before HSIP funding accelerated the process.

What Residents Can Expect

The new compact roundabout is designed to fit within the existing right-of-way while providing modern safety features for drivers, walkers, and cyclists. In addition to smoother traffic flow, Fridley residents will see:

• New ADA-compliant curb ramps
• Enhanced storm drainage
• Updated roadway signing and pavement markings
• A rebuilt section of Mississippi Street between 5th and 7th

Anoka County emphasizes that compact roundabouts, smaller in diameter than traditional models, are especially effective for neighborhood and collector streets with limited space but high safety needs.

Staying Informed

Residents can follow updates, photos, and project summaries through the Anoka County Highway Department’s construction updates page and email subscription service. The City of Fridley also posts periodic updates as the final restoration work continues into spring 2026.

MinneapoliMedia