Dinkytown, a bustling neighborhood in Minneapolis, is slated to undergo significant street construction in 2026, as part of the Dinkytown Pedestrian Improvement Project. This initiative is being driven by city officials’ commitment to enhancing safety and ensuring the area meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by adding more pedestrian ramps.

The construction, which is part of a broader $2.8 million project, will target the installation of ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps in Dinkytown. Nathan Koster, the Minneapolis Transportation Planning Manager, mentioned that construction will begin in the summer of 2026.

Beyond improving disability access, the project also aims to reduce the number of vehicle crashes in the area. To determine the most crucial areas for these safety upgrades, planners are using online survey responses and analyzing crash data. Mallory Rickbeil, the transportation planner for the project, emphasized the importance of focusing on areas with the greatest need for both safety and accessibility improvements.

“We are going to prioritize improvements like pedestrian ramp upgrades, medians, curb extensions, traffic circles and basically to figure out how we can do the most we can with the budget we have available for this project,” Rickbeil explained.

This upcoming project follows a series of construction efforts that took place in Dinkytown last summer. These earlier improvements were part of a separate project led by Hennepin County and the University of Minnesota. Phase two of that initiative will be launched later this year along University Avenue.

The city-led construction in 2026 will take place in the area bounded by I-35W and 15th Avenue Southeast to the east and west, and by the BNSF train tracks and 5th Street Southeast to the north and south. According to Spencer Evert, a Minneapolis city engineer, this specific region will see significant attention to enhance accessibility and safety.

Evert noted that the repaving of the streets is set for 2028, meaning the 2026 construction is a timely opportunity to invest in much-needed safety upgrades for Dinkytown.

“A key reason for this construction is to ensure Minneapolis infrastructure is ADA-compliant. Our goal is to implement these ramp installations earlier, contributing to improving citywide accessibility and mobility,” Evert said.

While the improvements will make Dinkytown more inclusive, there are still concerns about the neighborhood’s broader safety and accessibility needs. Chris Lautenschlager, Executive Director of the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership, believes that more work is required to create a truly pedestrian-friendly environment.

For instance, Lautenschlager proposed adding a crosswalk in front of the Dinkytown Target and building a roundabout near the intersection of 10th Avenue and 8th Avenue, measures that could reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. However, Lautenschlager highlighted how jurisdictional issues complicate such improvements.

“One jurisdiction blames the other. MnDOT blames Hennepin County and blames the city of Minneapolis. It’s a pointing match constantly about ‘We can’t do that because of this jurisdiction. We can’t do that because of that. We can’t do it because of this rule,’” Lautenschlager shared. “Well, in the meantime, people are dying.”

To address community concerns and gather public feedback, the city will host an informational meeting on March 18, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the University Lutheran Church of Hope. The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on the pedestrian improvement project.

Lautenschlager hopes that the input from local residents will be genuinely valued and that this project will not be delayed or shelved. He expressed frustration with the tendency for community meetings to be little more than a formality, where city officials present predetermined plans without truly incorporating public perspectives.

“It’s always the frustrating thing about community meetings, whether it’s led by the City or other jurisdiction, is that they come in with their own concept of what they’re going to do, and they’re just essentially checking the box and having a community meeting,” Lautenschlager lamented. “We would like to think that we have a valuable perspective on the area.”

In addition to the immediate construction plans, Lautenschlager and other local advocates continue to call for further safety measures and improved coordination between different jurisdictions to create a safer and more accessible Dinkytown. As the city moves forward with these efforts, residents hope to see real change that benefits everyone in the neighborhood.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Dinkytown

The Dinkytown Pedestrian Improvement Project is just one step in an ongoing process to make the neighborhood safer and more accessible. While the 2026 construction will focus on installing ADA-compliant ramps and other safety measures, long-term plans include further improvements that could enhance traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

As the neighborhood evolves, the city and local groups will continue to work together to ensure that Dinkytown becomes a more welcoming space for everyone—students, residents, and visitors alike. It will be crucial to address the challenges posed by different governing bodies and ensure that future developments are completed efficiently and effectively.

The community’s involvement in these plans will remain vital, and it’s clear that there’s a strong desire among Dinkytown residents for meaningful changes that go beyond simple infrastructure upgrades. Whether it’s through better crosswalks, improved traffic management, or more inclusive public spaces, Dinkytown’s future depends on the collaborative efforts of the city, its residents, and all the stakeholders involved in its growth and improvement.

Originally reported by katrina Bailey in The Minnesota Daily.