A public meeting is scheduled for people to learn about a proposed 2028 closure of the left turn from northbound Highway 280 to Broadway Street Northeast in Lauderdale, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT said in a news release that it identified the U.S. Highway 280 and Broadway Street Northeast intersection as a “significant safety concern.” Crash rates at the intersection between 2015 and 2019 exceeded by 1.66 times the “critical” crash rate that signifies a statistically significant crash problem, the agency said.

“This is a high-speed location with characteristics that create frequent close calls that have resulted in injury crashes and risk severe consequences when crashes do occur. Closing the left turn removes a potential high-speed conflict point and reduces the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash, moving us toward Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths goal,” the agency said.

MnDOT is planning to permanently close the left turn from northbound Highway 280 to Broadway Street in 2028. The agency expects minimal delays for drivers who would need to reroute because of the closure, with potential decreases in traffic delays at other nearby intersections as well.

Most drivers who use the turn lane can reroute via Larpenteur Avenue, Hennepin Avenue and Industrial Boulevard, the agency said. According to the agency, the detours add roughly 30 seconds to a typical trip.

“In some cases, especially if drivers miss the green signal for the left turn at Broadway St., this route can be faster than turning left at the signal on northbound Hwy 280 and better equipped to handle the current traffic capacity,” MnDOT said. “We will be making additional improvements to keep additional traffic moving safely and efficiently on Hennepin Ave. and Industrial Blvd.”

The public meeting will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Van Cleve Recreation Center Gym, 901 15th Ave. SE in Minneapolis.

A brief presentation will take place at 5 p.m. MnDOT said people can view project information, speak with MnDOT staff and ask questions. The meeting will focus on proposed safety improvements at the Highway 280 and Broadway Street Northeast intersection and related improvements along Hennepin Avenue, Larpenteur Avenue and Industrial Boulevard, including:

• The proposed closure of the northbound left turn from Highway 280 to Broadway Street Northeast.
• Rebuilding a section of Hennepin Avenue and widening the turn lane onto Industrial Boulevard.
• New walking and biking connections, including portions of the Grand Rounds Missing Link.
• Safety improvements for people driving, walking and biking.
• Traffic signal replacement and added lighting.

For more information, visit the Highway 280 project website or contact the project team at info@hwy280construction.com or 612-254-7776 or visit www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy280stpaul-roseville.