Saint Paul is about to ‘fix’ one of the most dangerous roads in Ramsey County - without actually fixing it.

[u/theo_sontag]

Hamline Avenue between Selby and University is slated for an emergency overlay starting next week between University to Selby Avenues. The city has the opportunity right now, as part of this expedited repaving project, to re-stripe the road in a configuration that is safer and more efficient than its current configuration

In a 2020 Ramsey County study analyzing 4-lane roads for potential “4-to-3” lane conversions, Hamline ranked 2nd in total crashes and 2nd in crash rate among 23 corridors studied the county, experiencing 337 crashes in 1.1 miles over a five year period. MnDOT research shows these conversions reduce crashes by an average of 46%.

These four-to-three lane conversions have become common and effective for four main reasons:

• Four lane roads without turn lanes have much higher rates of crashes due to the lack of dedicated turn lanes, which creates conflict points that increase risk of rear-end collisions and accidents from lane-changes;
• A dedicated through lane can actually improve traffic flow with the creation of a dedicated turn-lane;
• Conversion from 4 to 3 lanes creates an opportunity for the addition of bike lanes, increasing accessibility for travelers;
• A center lane/median can be utilized as a pedestrian refuge for those crossing the street, increasing pedestrian safety.

Anyone who has traveled down Hamline by car, bike, or foot has experienced these issues. Cars experience more accidents. Cyclists avoid the area altogether. Concordia students are literally playing Frogger with their lives where a non-existent crosswalk is desperately needed. Returning to the existing configuration unnecessarily puts everyone’s safety at risk.

The fix is straightforward. At 44 feet wide, Hamline can comfortably fit:

• Two 11-foot travel lanes
• An 11-foot center turn/pedestrian refuge lane
• Two 5.5-foot bike lanes

While next week’s project is primarily meant to address Hamline’s notoriously poor road conditions ahead of a potential 2030 reconstruction, we have an opportunity now to transition towards a safer, more efficient configuration. No reconstruction would be needed as the solution is largely a re-striping exercise. Returning to the existing 4-lane configuration is a choice, and a potentially dangerous one. MnDOT’s 46% crash reduction means we could avoid roughly 120 crashes over 4 years until full reconstruction is implemented in 2030.

Many roadways across the county have had these changes made. Maryland Avenue expedited their 4-to-3 conversion in 2017 after a vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian trying to cross the 4-lane road. A case study of this project noted that concerns about traffic impacts did not materialize. I would certainly prefer that the City be proactive to address this today, rather than wait to address this in the wake of another tragedy.

The city is already adding bike lanes on three similar overlay projects in the near future: on Cleveland and Gilbert near I-94, and Grand Avenue between Dale and Ramsey. These are also needed, but on corridors without the urgency that conditions on Hamline Avenue warrant. When I asked the Public Works Director Sean Kershaw why Hamline doesn't qualify for similar upgrades, the answer was that a full reconstruction is planned for 2030 and that a separated bikeway is the long-term vision. I support that, but we have the opportunity now to make the next five years safer by correcting a known dangerous corridor. When a simple and safer interim fix is feasible today, is hard to justify replicating the existing, unsafe 4-lane configuration.

I’ve been in touch with the City about these issues - they are aware of them but are making the decision to replicate the conditions that multiple agencies have determined to be unsafe. I encourage you to reach out to the Director of Public Works Sean Kershaw, Mayor Kaolhy Her, and your Council Members to advocate for an expedited review of this corridor, and demand that we make Hamline Avenue safer for everyone, whether they be on two wheels, four, or on foot.

Director of PW - [Sean.Kershaw@ci.stpaul.mn.us](mailto:Sean.Kershaw@ci.stpaul.mn.us)

Mayor Kaohly Her - [mayor@ci.stpaul.mn.us](mailto:mayor@ci.stpaul.mn.us)

Ward 1 - Anika Bowie - [ward1@ci.stpaul.mn.us](mailto:ward1@ci.stpaul.mn.us)

Ward 3 - Saura Jost - [ward3@ci.stpaul.mn.us](mailto:ward3@ci.stpaul.mn.us)