Highway 7 Corridor Study

Corridor Study of Hwy 7

In 2023, the legislature allocated $750,000 for MNDoT to complete a corridor study of Hwy 7 from Hopkins Crossroad through Minnetrista, which includes nine communities and two counties. The study is currently underway and will establish a shared vision for investment in the corridor by identifying potential improvements to address access and safety concerns. The study is expected to be completed in mid 2025. Visit talk.dot.state.mn.us/hwy7study for more information.  

Additionally, the legislature allocated $200,000 to the City of Shorewood to develop a transportation management organization (TMO) made up of communities and stakeholders along the Hwy 7 corridor. Many TMOs exist around Minnesota to represent shared goals for a corridor and to seek state and federal funding for improvements. Discussions among the Hwy 7 communities about moving a TMO forward are anticipated to occur in the months ahead. 

Safe Road Zone Grants for Hwy 7

The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department, in collaboration with the communities and law enforcement agencies along Hwy 7 in Hennepin and Carver counties, recently received a Safe Road Zone grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. $200,000 was awarded for enforcement efforts, and an additional $250,676 was awarded for roadway safety improvements along the highway, such as crosswalks, flashing lights, signs and messaging. The departments along the corridor will pair increased enforcement with engineering, education, and awareness activities throughout June 2025 to make Hwy 7 a safer roadway.   

The Legislature included $750,000 in the transportation bill for MNDoT to complete a corridor study of Highway 7 from I-494 to the western boundary of Hennepin County. The study will consider solutions to improve safety, access management, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, ADA enhancements, signage, lighting, and signals along the corridor. The results of the study will inform future construction and improvement projects along the highway. No timeline for completion of the study has been identified but watch the City's website for updates.

The City of Shorewood is seeking funding from the Legislature for a corridor study of Highway 7 from Minnetonka to St. Bonifacius (HF 2489 and SF 2333). Such a study would identify safety, access, and other important transportation improvements along the highway for incorporating into future projects. Additional funding is requested to support a corridor coalition comprised of cities and other stakeholders along this section of Highway 7 (HF 2490 and SF 2332).

On March 22, Shorewood testified in support of HF 2361 which would create an advisory council on traffic safety to provide recommendations to the State regarding needed traffic improvements throughout Minnesota.

Learn more about the Highway 7 MnDot safety study and the City of Shorewood

View the video in support of HF 2361.

Residents and local officials shared input with MnDOT regarding the safety of the Highway 7 corridor. On August 22, MnDOT representatives presented the results to the city council. Go to the traffic study page for links and complete information.

Mayor Jennifer Labadie has reached out to MnDOT on behalf of the Shorewood City Council regarding ongoing safety concerns along Highway 7 in Shorewood.

View the letter (PDF).