Southview Boulevard is a key corridor for South Saint Paul. It serves pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, and Metro Transit Route 68 in addition to providing access to dozens of businesses and residential properties. With deteriorating pedestrian facilities, high crash rates, outdated and unneeded traffic signals, and uneven pavement surfaces, the corridor needed a refreshed image.

We led a robust public involvement process that engaged the public, businesses, and residents through use of a Business Advisory Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee, individual property owner meetings, public open house meetings, project website, and social media updates. Using 3D video and other tools, we communicated proposed changes and helped stakeholders visualize what a multimodal Southview Boulevard could look and feel like.

Our comprehensive corridor analysis enhanced with grassroots stakeholder involvement helped Bolton & Menk develop a new corridor vision. A sustainable solution design process led to acceptance for removal of two traffic signals, a narrowed street section with 11-foot travel lanes, streetscape approach with designated pedestrian access routes, and corridor branding. Because of this collaboration, the corridor was revitalized, affording the opportunity for private development in South Saint Paul.

Several unique design approaches were needed to tie into existing facilities while providing a high-quality pedestrian experience. The final outcome was a truly transformational project that enhanced pedestrian and transit accommodations, streetscape elements, traffic operations, and public safety. In addition to the design, Bolton & Menk also completed construction administration for the project.