Pavement project on Brookside has been HALTED!!!

Hi all, 

The City of SLP just sent out an update stating that the bike trail / sidewalk project on Brookside Avenue has been halted. 

There will still be some trees removed that were identified as sick/dead/dying. Those were on the project map as an orange X. For example, a couple of elms off Brook Lane, a mulberry by the train track, and so on. We will clarify which other trees once the map is updated. 

This is GOOD NEWS. Your advocacy made the difference. When and if, they decide to discuss a bike route through our neighborhood, we will continue our engagement. 

Best,

Shannon

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Here is the information that was posted:

"We wanted to make you aware that city staff have adjusted the scope of the 2028 Pavement Management project:

•     Brookside Avenue, from Excelsior Boulevard to the south city boundary, will be removed from this project and rescheduled for a future year.
•  This adjustment also includes the proposed bikeway on Alabama Avenue between Excelsior Boulevard and 36th Street and Hobart Lane, a short road near the railroad tracks.

City staff recently reviewed the 10‑year Capital Improvement Plan and presented their findings to the city council on Sept. 8. This review guided the decision to adjust the scope of the 2028 Pavement Management project so the city can more effectively balance upcoming water utility funds. It also allows Three Rivers Park District to begin their public engagement process in 2027 to determine the preferred route for the Canadian Pacific Rail Regional Trail (CP Rail Regional Trail) through this area.

Once Three Rivers Park District’s process is complete, city staff will reassess funding and determine when to implement the city infrastructure improvements identified for this corridor. If the preferred trail route is along Brookside Avenue, the city will work with Three Rivers Park District to coordinate efforts and help reduce potential impacts.

Even though Brookside Avenue has been removed from the scope of the 2028 Pavement Management project, the city will continue its regular forestry management work in the area:

•     As part of this effort, three trees along Brookside Avenue and three other trees within the project limits have been identified for removal this year.
•    These removals are part of the city’s urban forestry management practices and are not related to the upcoming street reconstruction project.

The project map and website will be updated to reflect these adjustments. If you have questions or would like to discuss what this means for the project, please reach out to Mark Elgaard.

We appreciate your involvement in this project and look forward to continuing to work with you. 

Sincerely,

Mark Elgaard, P.E.
Engineering project manager | City of St. Louis Park
Direct: 952.924.2669
melgaard@stlouisparkmn.gov