East 7th Street is one of Red Wing’s most important connectors — linking the historic downtown to U.S. Highway 61 and serving the homes, parks, and neighborhoods that define the city’s east side. When City leaders set out to reconstruct this one‑mile corridor, they sought a partner who could balance infrastructure needs with the community’s vision for safer, more welcoming multimodal transportation. MSA was honored to help bring that vision forward.

From the outset, the project posed both challenges and opportunities. East 7th Street is a high‑volume two‑lane roadway with sidewalks and on‑street parking throughout much of its length, leaving little room to introduce new bicycle or pedestrian amenities without thoughtful design. The City’s Complete Streets policy provided a meaningful framework but also required creative evaluation of multimodal options that could serve a changing corridor.

MSA’s engineering and planning teams worked side by side to explore four distinct design concepts — each integrating either on‑street bicycle lanes or a multiuse side path paired with existing sidewalks. To help community members visualize what these concepts could look like, the team produced edited photos and graphic cross‑sections. A letter and survey were shared with all adjacent property owners, creating a clear, accessible path for residents to weigh in on potential sidewalk or trail adjustments near their homes.

The public response shaped the direction of the project. Survey results and neighborhood feedback ultimately guided the City and project team toward on‑street bicycle facilities, ensuring the final design respected both user safety and local preferences.

With design direction established, MSA advanced the corridor through MnDOT’s Delegated Contract Process, supporting a project funded through a blend of state, federal, and local sources. The work included sanitary sewer, stormwater and water system upgrades; ADA‑compliant improvements; and the design of new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) to enhance pedestrian safety at key crossings. Portions of the corridor adjacent to a public park required a more rigorous environmental review, for which MSA prepared the Project Memorandum to meet all State Aid requirements.

Beyond technical expertise, the project showcased MSA’s experience navigating multi‑agency coordination — City, County, and MnDOT — and advancing a multimodal corridor that serves both everyday travel and recreational access to destinations like Colvill and Memorial Parks and Barn Bluff.

Completed in 2024, the $5.6-million project delivers Red Wing with a safer, more accessible transportation corridor that reflects the values of its residents and supports the community for decades to come. It is a testament to what can be achieved when engineering rigor, thoughtful planning, and authentic engagement all move forward together.