Burnsville Just Approved a $56.3M Highway Project
TLDR
- Burnsville City Council unanimously approved municipal consent for a new interchange at Hwy 13 and Nicollet Ave on March 3, 2026
- The project costs $56.3 million total — Burnsville’s share is just $210,000
- Nicollet Avenue will be fully closed from spring to fall 2027
- Hwy 13 stays open with at least one lane in each direction throughout construction
- A noise wall vote is underway for nearby residents — deadline is March 27
If you’ve ever sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic at Highway 13 and Nicollet Avenue, this one’s for you.
On March 3, 2026, the Burnsville City Council unanimously approved municipal consent for a grade-separated interchange at that intersection — officially clearing the way for construction to begin. It’s been years in the making, and it’s finally happening.
What’s Actually Being Built
Right now, Hwy 13 and Nicollet Avenue meet at a traffic signal. That intersection is nearing capacity. Queues back up over 500 feet. It’s the second-most congested freight corridor in the Twin Cities. Crash rates exceed the state average.
The fix: a full grade separation. Highway 13 will be rebuilt as an overpass above Nicollet Avenue. Nicollet goes under. No more signal, no more backups at that crossing.
The design uses a partial cloverleaf. Eastbound traffic on 13 uses a loop ramp. Northbound Nicollet keeps dual left-turn lanes onto westbound 13. The north and south intersections get new signals with safe pedestrian crossings. There’s also a shared-use path being rebuilt on the north side of 13 and along the east side of Nicollet.
The bridge aesthetic will be similar to the Burnsville Parkway bridge over I-35W — same general look and feel, with LED lighting under the bridge.
The Money Part
Total project cost: $56.3 million.
Burnsville’s share: $210,000.
How? The city and its partners secured $26.9 million in grants, state bonding, and congressionally directed spending. When that funding is applied, the city’s remaining obligation covers some sanitary sewer and water main work plus bridge aesthetics. The city had already set aside $510,000 — so they’re already ahead.
This is genuinely good news for taxpayers.
What the Construction Timeline Looks Like
Here’s the sequence as it stands now:
- August 2026 — Project letting (MnDOT selects the design-build contractor)
- Winter 2026 — Some early construction activity begins
- Spring 2027 — Major construction impacts begin
- Spring–Fall 2027 — Nicollet Avenue is fully closed on both sides of 13
- Fall 2028 — Contractual deadline for completion (but there are incentives for finishing earlier)
Highway 13 itself stays open throughout — at least one lane in each direction at all times. There will be some periodic weekend and nighttime closures for specific work like setting bridge beams and utility crossings.
One note for transit riders: MVTA has been in communication with the project team throughout. Pedestrian access across Nicollet will be maintained even during the full road closure. This is important for Orange Line riders who rely on the station access.
Also worth knowing: the separate Hwy 13/35W bridge project (a different project) is expected to wrap up by October 2026 — before the Nicollet closure hits. So the two won’t overlap.
The Noise Wall Vote
Noise walls are being evaluated in four areas along the Hwy 13 corridor — two east of Nicollet on the south side, one west of Nicollet on the south side, and one east of Nicollet on the north side.
Residents and property owners in affected areas are being asked to vote on whether they want the walls. A 30-day solicitation process started February 25 and runs through March 27. At least 50% of eligible voters must respond.
In-person information meetings:
- March 11 at Diamondhead Education Center at 5:30 p.m.
- March 18 at Savage City Hall at 5:30 p.m.
- March 24 virtual at noon
If you live near Hwy 13 in this area, check your mail — you may have already received information about the vote.
The Bottom Line
This is a big deal for Burnsville. That intersection has been a problem for years, and the financing on this project is about as good as it gets for a city. You’re getting a $56.3 million infrastructure upgrade for $210,000 in city costs.
The disruption is real — Nicollet Ave closed for an entire season in 2027 is going to require some planning, especially for businesses and transit riders in the area. But when it’s done, it’ll look a lot like the Burnsville Parkway bridge situation: painful during construction, great after.
For the latest project updates, visit the MnDOT Hwy 13 at Nicollet project page or the City of Burnsville’s project page. And stay tuned to South Metro Scoop as construction milestones approach.
FAQ
Why is this intersection getting rebuilt?
It’s one of the most congested freight corridors in the Twin Cities, with crash rates above the state average. Queues regularly back up over 500 feet, and the signal design can’t handle the volume anymore.
Will I be able to get through that area during construction?
Highway 13 stays open throughout, but Nicollet Ave will be fully closed spring through fall 2027. Detours are being planned and will be communicated well in advance.
What does ‘municipal consent’ mean?
It’s a required step in Minnesota state law — MnDOT has to get approval from the city before moving forward with a major highway project. The council’s vote means the city officially supports the project design and gives MnDOT the green light.
How did Burnsville only end up paying $210,000 on a $56M project?
The city and its partners secured $26.9 million in federal grants, state bonding, and congressionally directed spending. After those funding sources are applied, the city’s remaining share covers specific items like utility work and bridge aesthetics.
What if I want a noise wall but I don’t respond to the vote?
If less than 50% of eligible voters respond in the first round, MnDOT has to do a second solicitation. Responding matters — deadline is March 27.
