26th and Hiawatha traffic safety improvements

Project overview

In spring and summer 2026, the City will rebuild the intersection at 26th St and Hiawatha Ave. This project also includes improving part of 26th St between Hiawatha Ave and Cedar Ave.

Project work

The project includes several upgrades to make the
area safer and easier to use for everyone. The work
will include:

• Changes to the street layout
• New pedestrian refuge islands to help people cross
  the street safely
• A new multi-use path that connects Cedar Avenue
  to the Hiawatha LRT trail
• Improvements to nearby green spaces
• Rebuild northern sidewalk
• Rebuild northern boulevard (grassy area between
  the sidewalk and the street)
• Rebuild bike lane along 26th Street

View the interactive map

Project update

• The northbound Hiawatha left-turn lane to eastbound Hiawatha Avenue reopened on October 9, 2026.

• The contractor is installing the permanent traffic signal system this week.

• The permanent signal system should be working by October 22nd.

• The final concrete work and the asphalt patching will be done in late October.

• The east side of the intersection of E 26th Street and Hiawatha Ave closed on Tuesday June 2nd. It will open in early November.

View the construction progress information and map

Past meetings

Neighborhood pre-construction meeting - May 21, 2026

This meeting provided an overview of the project and important upcoming project construction information. 

• View the neighborhood pre-construction meeting presentation
• View the neighborhood pre-construction meeting recording