By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Following last week’s transportation network town hall, we will begin a series of stories detailing the upcoming road construction projects in Northfield over the next several years, starting with next year’s projects, which are set to be approved by the City Council tonight.
Jefferson Parkway:
The main work in 2026 will focus on Jefferson Parkway, where the road will undergo a Mill & Overlay, from the roundabout to Spring Creek Road. As part of the project, it includes improving the pedestrian crossings along Jefferson, especially those that connect to Spring Creek Park. While the features vary depending on the pedestrian crossing and the expected traffic level (both cars & pedestrians), common features include shortening the crossing, providing a pedestrian island/refuge in the middle of the road, and improving visibility of pedestrians with warning lights.
Listen to the New:
Mill Towns State Trail
Parallel to Jefferson Pkwy. for most of the project, we will also be working on extending the Mill Town State Trail. The trail will follow alongside the road before turning north to follow a set of pounds and then connect to a segment of the state trail being built this year. When completed, the Mill Towns State Trail will connect from South of Dundas to the Waterford Historic Bridge
Bike Lanes Along Prairie Street Debate:
Along Prairie Street, the road will undergo a mill and overlay, as well as the installation of a new sidewalk and a new bike lane in the road. Currently, Prairie Street has a painted bike lane on the road; the new proposal would install a concrete separated bike lane. The proposal has generated significant debate at a council meeting in May, which we previously covered, where Councilor Chad Beumer argued that he heard little public support for the bike lanes and Councilor Kathleen Holmes argued that painted bikes lanes did not fully protect bikers.
Picture by Logan Wells/KYMN News
Picture by Logan Wells/KYMN News
Mayor Erica Zwiefel noted that she was in favor of several proposed pedestrian safety measures, like raising crossings, but was against the proposed bike lanes design:
“I’m from West Coast Portland, Oregon I also have family in Davis, California two cities that have very effectively used paint for the bikeways and have used their timing of traffic lights to help things be safer for bicycles so at this moment I’m still in a painted Bike Lanes preference.” – Erica Zweifel, Northfield Mayor at the 5/20/2025 City Council Meeting
Councilor Davin Sokup in May stated that he was interested in hearing more public feedback and information from staff:
“I think Maple Street in Prairie Street really very different in their layout and how people use them and but it makes sense in terms of continuity to keep actively separating bicyclists from vehicles.” – Davin Sokup, Northfield City Councilor at the 5/20/2025 City Council Meeting
Picture credit: Logan Wells/KYMN News
Picture By Logan Wells/KYMN News
Citing Maple Street as an example, Councilor Brad Ness expressed concerns with separated bike lanes.
“I’m just not in favor of any on Street protected I think Maple Street from Woodley to the school is the biggest disaster in town.” – Brad Ness, Northfield City Councilor, at the 5/20/2025 City Council Meeting
Councilor Jessica Peterson-White stated that she heard from many who actively use the bike lanes:
“I hear from families with kids especially kids who go to Spring Creek all the time that they love and use the bike way on Maple Street so and that it and I myself have used it with my children and would not have previously biked there with my two young kids.” – Jessica Peterson-White, Northfield City Councilor, at the 5/20/2025 City Council Meeting
Overall, the project is expected to cost approximately $4.6 million, primarily paid for via taxes, with a smaller portion of franchise fees and utility bills covering the cost.
You can see all of the project details here: https://www.northfieldmn.gov/1638/2026-Mill-and-Overlay-Mill-Towns-State-T
The City Council will hear the draft feasibility report at their meeting tonight; this is the last point at which major changes can be made to the project.
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