Statement on 44th/Penn/Osseo Intersection
Over the last year, the District 2 office has been in ongoing conversations regarding traffic safety at the intersection of Penn Ave N, 44th Ave N, and Osseo Road. This concern heightened in recent months, specifically after multiple crash incidents when vehicles left the roadway and collided with a local restaurant, Tori 44.
Engagement around this important matter has included conversations with community members, local businesses, Victory Neighborhood Association (ViNA), and County staff. I am gathering as much information as possible to enact the most impactful options to improve the intersection and ensure that our community members are safe and included.
I am viewing action in both the short- and long-term, and am evaluating proposed solutions for feasibility, cost, and implementation timeline. I want to share with you some of the actions that have been or will be taken in the near-term:
Four chevron turn-signs have been installed on the SW corner of the intersection on southbound Osseo Rd as it bends towards Penn Ave N.
A temporary “Curve Ahead” sign has been placed about 400 feet in advance of the intersection on southbound Osseo Rd.
Hennepin County will be working with the City of Minneapolis to place a permanent “Curve Ahead” sign with flashing lights and a radar speed-indicator as soon as the ground thaws enough for installation. The County will install this sign and work with the City of Minneapolis to make sure the sign is supported under the County’s Signal & Sign Maintenance agreement with the City of Minneapolis.
I am working closely with Hennepin County’s Public Works Transportation Planning department to ensure we are moving forward in an orderly manner. We will continue to connect with residents to learn more about the community’s needs and opinions on both near-term safety improvements and long-term planning for the neighborhood.
I am scheduled to meet with Councilmember Phillipe Cunningham about this issue on Monday, February 4th. There are also community engagement opportunities around this matter, which we will share once they are confirmed.
Thank you for sharing your concerns and for your continued engagement. Please reach out to Bill Emory in my office with any questions: bill.emory@hennepin.us, 612-348-3526.