MIDTOWN GREENWAY // MINNEAPOLIS
This 5.5-mile, urban, paved, bike and pedestrian trail connects across midtown Minneapolis between the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. It is sited in a former railroad right-of-way.
for more info: http://www.midtowngreenway.org
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5.5 MI. LONG 30-160’ WIDE, 90’ TYP.
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EDGE AND GRADE SEPARATES THE CORRIDOR FROM THE GRID
The 5.5-mile corridor is primarily grade-separated from the street grid. The majority is below grade in a trench with walls ranging from gentle to steep slopes to retaining walls. Portions at each end of the corridor are at grade or above grade on a levee. The trail is accessed at grade or via stairs or ramps.
image: Flickr user ‘hanskneller”
image: Payton Chung (via Flickr)
image: Matty Lang (via Flickr)
LAND USE
The Midtown Greenway Land Use Development Plan was approved in 2007. The study area generally extends one block from the corridor and includes land use, zoning, and public realm and design guidelines.
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/CPED/docs/Midtown_Greenway_full_plan_noapp.pdf
LANDSCAPE / VOLUNTEERISM
Landscaping along the greenway is primarily installed and maintained by volunteers. An Adopt-a-Greenway program is in place to encourage community involvement in maintenance of the trail. Gardens along the trail demonstrate native plants and on-site water management, including rain gardens.
image: Payton Chung (via Flickr)
image: Payton Chung (via Flickr)
BIKE CENTER
A bike center is located at grade along the corridor. Services include parking by day or contract, parts and repairs (DIY or as service), rentals, bathrooms, showers, and a coffee shop.
image: www.freewheelbike.com
image: www.skinnymoose.com
ART / HISTORY
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Typical proposed cross-section of 29 Street west of Lyndale Avenue.
The trail is conceived of as a space for both permanent and temporary artwork--including this graffiti wall--as well as performance art. Signs along the trail describe the history of the trail, the preceding railroad, and various points of interest along the way.
image: J.D. Droske (via Flickr)
image: Flickr user “ibikempls”
FUTURE: MULTI-MODAL WITH LIGHT RAIL
The county government’s long-term plans for the greenway include its use a light rail corridor. Citizens, including the Greenway Coalition, support this use.
image: John Dewitt (via Matty Lang on Flickr)