Proposed Changes to HWY 280 —> and their potential impact on the Grand Rounds Missing Link project

MnDOT proposes to close the 280 North’s left turn onto Broadway (far right above).

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is currently planning major improvements to Highway 280. While many of these investments will improve the corridor, one proposed change scheduled for 2028 has raised concerns among community leaders, businesses, and transportation advocates: the permanent closure of the northbound left turn from Highway 280 onto Broadway Street NE.

This movement currently provides direct access from Highway 280 into the Mid-City Industrial area and surrounding business districts. Under MnDOT's proposal, drivers heading north on Highway 280 who wish to travel west toward Broadway Street NE would need to find alternate routes.

Recently, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board formally adopted a resolution expressing concern about this proposed closure. Among other issues, the Park Board noted that removing the left turn could redirect additional traffic onto East Hennepin Avenue and Industrial Boulevard—streets that already carry substantial traffic volumes and serve Minneapolis neighborhoods, businesses, and industrial employers. The resolution also raises concerns that increased traffic could affect future plans for the Grand Rounds Missing Link project and place additional burdens on nearby neighborhoods, including Southeast Como.

Many businesses, residents, workers, and visitors rely on these transportation connections every day. If the left turn is removed, more trucks, delivery vehicles, and commuter traffic may be pushed onto local streets that were not designed to absorb significant additional volumes. This could affect traffic congestion, neighborhood livability, pedestrian safety, bicycle infrastructure, and business access.

The East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership believes these concerns deserve careful public discussion before a final decision is made. We encourage MnDOT to fully evaluate the potential impacts on Minneapolis neighborhoods, local businesses, and future transportation projects before proceeding with the closure.

Tell MnDOT What You Think

Whether you support the proposed closure, oppose it, or simply have questions, now is the time to share your perspective directly with MnDOT.

MnDOT project contacts and comment information can be found here:

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy280stpaul-roseville/contacts.html

Let Us Know, Too

We would also like to hear from residents, business owners, workers, and visitors who use Highway 280, Broadway Street NE, East Hennepin Avenue, Industrial Boulevard, and surrounding streets.

How would this proposed change affect your daily travel, your business, or your neighborhood? Are there impacts that MnDOT should consider before making a final decision?

Please share your thoughts with us at: info@eastbankmpls.org

We will continue monitoring this issue and advocating for transportation solutions that support neighborhood livability, business access, public safety, and the long-term success of our communities.

We have invited MnDOT representatives and MPRB Commissioners to our next neighborhoods meeting, to be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Riverplace (St. Anthony Main). Once we have confirmed their attendance we will send out more information.