Edina Weekly Update: New Bridge Construction Begins
Rosland Park pedestrian bridge construction now underway over Highway 62. City earns AAA bond rating reaffirmation ahead of infrastructure bond sale.
This week in Edina brought updates on major infrastructure projects, community safety initiatives, and a strong vote of confidence in the city’s financial health. Residents are navigating road closures as the Rosland Park pedestrian bridge replacement project moves forward, while the police department continues its summer outreach on e-bike safety.
Rosland Park Pedestrian Bridge Construction Progresses
Construction on the Rosland Park Pedestrian Bridge replacement over Minnesota Highway 62 is now fully underway following a successful weekend highway closure in late June. The existing bridge, which was built in the early 1960s, has been removed. According to a June 29 project update, the contractor is now hauling debris off-site, working with Xcel Energy on temporary poles, and installing highway center median wire barrier. Pile driving work is expected to begin on the south side of the project area soon.
The replacement bridge will include ramps on both the north and south sides of the highway to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards and improve access for people with mobility challenges. The project is expected to cost about $8 million, funded through a combination of state funding, the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund, Municipal State Aid, and the Centennial Lakes Tax-Increment Financing District. The new bridge is expected to open in early summer 2027. Residents should note that the westbound Highway 62 on-ramp from Valley View Road remains closed through fall 2026.
City Earns AAA Bond Rating Reaffirmation
In positive financial news for Edina, the city’s AAA bond ratings were reaffirmed by both Moody’s and S&P ahead of the June 16 bond sale for street, utility, and park projects. This top-tier rating reflects the city’s strong financial management and allows Edina to secure favorable borrowing rates for infrastructure improvements. The reaffirmation came as the city prepares to fund multiple capital projects outlined in its infrastructure plans.
Edina Public Schools also maintains an Aaa credit rating from Moody’s, making it one of only three school districts in Minnesota and 93 out of approximately 16,000 school districts nationally to hold this distinction. The rating allows both the city and school district to borrow at lower interest rates, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars on long-term debt.
Police Department Hosts E-Bike Safety Seminars
The Edina Police Department is hosting two free informational seminars on e-bike safety this month, scheduled for Wednesday, July 8 and July 22. The sessions come as electric bikes continue to grow in popularity throughout the community. Under Minnesota state law, the minimum age requirement for e-bike riders is 15 years old, and Edina ordinance requires riders ages 15 to 17 to wear helmets.
The police department reminds residents that e-bikes must follow all bicycle laws, including obeying traffic signs and signaling turns or stops. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on soft-surface trails in city parks, including the mountain biking trails at Braemar Park. Earlier this year, the city council voted to allow e-bikes back on city sidewalks, though the 50th and France Business District remains off-limits for riding. Transportation Planner Andrew Scipioni noted that staff will continue efforts to educate the public about cyclist safety and existing city regulations.
Citizens’ Academy Registration Now Open
Adults interested in learning about law enforcement can register for the Edina Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy, which begins August 27 and runs for 13 weeks through November 19. The program is open to adults ages 21 and older who work or live in Edina. Classes are held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays at the Edina Police Department or the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility. Participants will experience mock traffic stops, tour the Hennepin County Jail, meet one of the department’s K-9 teams, and learn about the Metro Area Drug Task Force.
For more information on city projects, programs, and services, residents can visit the official City of Edina website at EdinaMN.gov or contact the relevant city departments directly.