Join North Minneapolis community organizations in asking the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to apply for funding to install asphalt art crosswalks at the intersection of Olson Memorial Highway and Van White Boulevard.

This intersection has long been unsafe and inaccessible for all users and is used to access many key destinations in the community, including Heritage Park, Summit Academy, Bethune Community School, Sumner Library, and Glenwood Lake. A 2024 report highlighted these safety issues.

Asphalt Art is a Community Safety Solution.

Data shows asphalt art projects significantly reduce pedestrian crashes and unsafe driving behavior. The project would also be an opportunity to meaningfully engage community members and employ local artists. These projects have been successful across the country and there is no reason why MnDOT can't do the same in Minneapolis.

The Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative is accepting applications through January 31, 2025 and provides up to $100,000 for cities to install asphalt art pilot projects on high-injury streets.

The grant application specifies the project team:

"must include a Lead City Agency, which is the primary government agency with oversight of the project (e.g., Department of Transportation, Cultural Affairs, or other appropriate agency). If the Lead City Agency is not the government agency with jurisdiction over city streets, then that agency must be a part of the Project Team."

Every year, people are killed and seriously injured in crashes on Olson Memorial Highway. The City of Minneapolis Vision Zero Initiative first identified Olson Memorial Highway as a crash concentration corridor and high-injury street in 2017. Our Streets Minneapolis has been advocating for the inclusion of artwork crosswalks in the interim safety improvements on Olson Memorial Highway, as data has shown that asphalt art projects significantly reduce pedestrian crashes and unsafe driving behavior.

Community partners alongside Olson Memorial Highway have signed a letter of support asking MnDOT and the City of Minneapolis to apply for funding and support an asphalt art demonstration project at this location.

Take action by contacting MnDOT and City decision makers today!