Crash Overview

Location Description

This crash took place on the 3300 block of Park Avenue in Minneapolis’ Powderhorn Park neighborhood. Park Avenue is a two-lane, one-way corridor originally designed to serve as a high-speed commuter route into downtown. Despite a 2012 redesign that narrowed lanes and added a painted bike lane, the street continues to function more like a mini-freeway than a neighborhood street. Wide lanes, minimal traffic-calming, and a lack of physical separation between users create a setting where fast driving—and even street racing—is common.

The corridor is lined with single-family homes and sits in a dense, walkable part of South Minneapolis. But many residents report feeling unsafe walking or biking here, citing frequent reckless driving, close calls, and property damage from crashes. Cyclists often contend with vehicles using the painted bike lane as a passing lane, and few features exist to slow vehicle traffic or protect people crossing the street.

Why was this crash selected? 

• There has been a pattern of street racing in this area since 2014 or earlier.
• Automobile traffic flows in one direction--northbound--across two through travel lanes on Park Avenue. This makes the area susceptible to unique traffic safety challenges.
• This is a commuter conduit that is up for redesign in 2027. The community wants it returned to a two-way street and has been in conversations with Hennepin County, the owner and steward of this roadway, leading up to the project. 

What additional information is available? 

• A redacted police report from the crash.
• Diagrams to assist you with visualizing and understanding the measurements of the crash location.
• A folder containing speed data from visits to this collision site. 

• Park Avenue Diagram.png100 KB
• StreetMix Park Avenue.png300 KB