In 2023, we asked the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to apply for a Bloomberg Philanthropies asphalt art grant for the Olson Memorial Highway & Van White Boulevard intersection. Although the City of Minneapolis expressed support for asphalt art on Olson, because MnDOT owns the right-of-way, MnDOT needed to approve the project. They failed to apply in time.
In November of 2024, along with community partners, we asked the agency to again consider applying for the grant—this time with even more ample time for consideration, as the deadline is January 31, 2025.
They responded with the following on November 24, 2024. We have had no response since.
Jose,
Good afternoon. Thank you for passing along word of this funding opportunity. I am not personally familiar with it, though others may be. We will organize an internal conversation and respond back with any questions, asks, or responses.Regards,
RyanRyan Wilson, PE AICP (he/him)
West Area Manager | Hennepin County
MnDOT Metro District
E: ryan.wilson@state.mn.us
Residents have and continue to endure dangerous road design on and near Olson Memorial Highway. The dangerous intersection could benefit from a project like this, as data shows asphalt art projects significantly reduce pedestrian crashes and unsafe driving behavior. MnDOT has shown no urgency to community asks for safety improvements.
Support the community ask for life-saving asphalt art.
Installing the asphalt art pilot project is a solution to improve pedestrian visibility and reduce crash risk. A 2022 study found that after asphalt art projects were implemented, the locations experienced a 50% reduction in crashes involving people walking, rolling and biking, a 37% reduction in crashes that resulted in injuries, and a 17% reduction in total crashes.
Cities that have successfully implemented artwork crosswalks include Miami, Kansas City, Atlanta, New York City, Cambridge, Louisville, Richmond, and Durham. There is no reason why we can’t do the same in Minneapolis.