Smooth Moves in Minneapolis

HEI actively helps the City of Minneapolis achieve its goals of improving pedestrian safety, bike connectivity, and overall accessibility, all while contributing to a healthier environment. At HEI, we are proud to support the City in its commitment to providing invaluable services for its community through our expertise in stormwater management and green infrastructure.

The Modeling that Started it All

Through a series of impactful projects, we have supported the City in working to achieve its goals to be a safe, accessible, and environmentally conscious community. We leveraged our extensive experience in hydraulic and hydrologic (H&H) modeling to help the City manage their urban stormwater systems effectively. Examples of this H&H work include:

• XPSWMM Models for Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis: We used XPSWMM to create H&H models for these areas, simulating multiple storm events to identify flood-prone areas, at-risk structures, and infrastructure deficiencies. By focusing on six watersheds, we provided a comprehensive analysis that addressed the unique challenges and opportunities within each area.
• 1NE XPSWMM Modeling Projects for Northeast Minneapolis: Commissioned by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO), this project involved creating an H&H model for a 2,100-acre storm drainage system that outlets to the Mississippi River. The model helps identify flood-prone issues and manage storm events as large as the 100-year event.
• P8 Models for Northeast Minneapolis: We developed P8 models for the 1NE watershed and the southern end of the Northeast Minneapolis Watershed. These models quantify average annual total suspended solids and total phosphorus yields, aiding in informed decision-making for future stormwater treatment practices.

Through these projects, the City and watershed gained valuable insights into the complexities of the urban infrastructure and environmental management within the watershed studied. Learn more about these projects.

Innovative Tech Solutions for Urban Challenges

Smoke Detection

Minneapolis has elevated its sewer system testing with a novel approach using drone technology. The City annually tests its sewers to identify any problematic connections between sanitary and stormwater systems. City staff then work with homeowners to remove any identified sanitary and stormwater system connections, effectively blocking excess pollutants from entering the stormwater systems that may lead to downstream waterbodies.

Beginning in 2018, HEI used drones to photograph areas typically difficult to access, eliminating the need for manual, risky rooftop inspections. City staff piped smoke through the storm sewers, and our team flew the drone over testing corridors while City staff managed the camera to detect smoke and document findings. Detected smoke was photographed, geo-tagged, and wirelessly transmitted to an application to record for future repairs.

This project showcases the City’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient urban infrastructure management. It also supports its goal to improve and protect its water quality. Learn more about this project.

Gopher State One Call Scripting

In 2020, the City hired HEI to develop a GIS tool for accessing Gopher State One Call (GSOC) so they could perform safe and informed excavations. HEI reviewed and aligned Python scripts with Korterra software, enhancing automation tools for GSOC’s operations. The team also refined Python modules for easier future modifications, targeting key areas such as Korterra integration, email communications, backend data mining, and ArcGIS Online consultation.

Throughout the project, HEI established a test environment to validate the application against the City’s requirements, conducting thorough tests and debugging.

This innovation represents a significant step in safeguarding both utilities and individuals during excavation projects in Minneapolis. Learn more about this project.

CCTV Sewer Inspection Software Integration

Thanks to a collaboration with HEI, the City was able to integrate its closed-circuit television (CCTV) sewer inspection software, GraniteXP, with its GIS database to efficiently manage their urban infrastructure. This integration resolves data discrepancies and streamlines the workflow between GraniteXP and the City’s GIS database.

HEI’s development of a Python script to convert observation data into geodatabase feature classes is a game-changer for the City. It provides staff with a visual tool to evaluate pipe conditions and prioritize maintenance, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the City’s sewer management system.

This project exemplifies the innovative use of technology in city planning and maintenance, setting a precedent for future urban infrastructure projects. Learn more about this project.

Projects Shifting from the Desktop to the Road

HEI continues to research and implement cutting-edge practices, ensuring that our transportation projects serve our communities while incorporating environmental sustainability. This enables our team to design more resilient and efficient systems that address both current and future challenges to enhance urban infrastructure and community well-being in Minneapolis and other communities.

Southwest Windom Neighborhood

Our team is proud to support the City in its commitment to safe, environmentally sound, and pedestrian-friendly transportation projects. The Southwest Windom Neighborhood Street Reconstruction project began in 2019 and marked a significant milestone for HEI, showcasing our dedication to enhancing urban infrastructure and fostering a vibrant community.

This project included narrowing the roadways, adding curb extensions to promote lower travel speeds, and enhancing pedestrian safety. Realigned intersections clearly define roadway limits and vehicular right-of-way, reducing the risk of accidents. New sidewalks with ADA-compliance measures ensure that all residents can navigate the neighborhood safely and comfortably.

By fully removing the existing street; making subgrade corrections; and installing new pavement, curb, gutter, and sidewalks; we provided a more durable and reliable transportation network. Public and private utility improvements, along with new storm sewer mains, enhanced the neighborhood’s infrastructure. By reducing impervious surface and adding green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), such as bioretention basins, we reduced the stormwater runoff from the neighborhood. This helped to reduce downstream flooding, improve water quality, and reduce the environmental impact.

The construction was completed in 2020 and marked a pivotal achievement in the City’s ongoing efforts to improve the overall quality of life for its residents. Learn more about this project.

Johnson Street Northeast

Johnson Street Northeast is a bustling corridor with many modes of traffic, including pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and more. To better serve motorists and pedestrians as well as reduce the potential for crashes, the City kicked off a project to reconstruct four blocks of Johnson Street Northeast from 18th Avenue Northeast to Lowry Avenue Northeast.

Our design accomplished these goals by revising the old, four-lane corridor with sidewalks on both sides to a new, two-lane corridor with dedicated parking areas, bikeways on the west side of the street, sidewalks, and green boulevards. This reduced the amount of impervious surface along the corridor, helping to improve water quality and stormwater management. We also prioritized bike access and pedestrian safety through creating a new bikeway, adding new curb extensions, putting a raised median at the intersections, and adding a new pedestrian crossing. This significantly calmed traffic; provided new opportunities for safe, multi-modal access to the roadway; and reduced the potential for accidents, making the streets more welcoming for everyone.

Construction was completed in 2022. Through this project, HEI has not only improved the immediate functionality of the Johnson Street Northeast corridor, which is used by more than 20,000 vehicles a day, but also laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and community-focused future.

HEI is proud to have contributed to this transformative project and looks forward to continuing our partnership with the City to enhance urban infrastructure and community well-being. Learn more about this project.

Park Lane Northeast

Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, Park Lane Northeast needed stormwater management improvements along its roadway while maintaining the look of the historic boulder curb within the neighborhood. Recognizing the importance of modern infrastructure, the City worked to enhance its streets by embracing the latest GSI techniques.

HEI has been at the forefront of this innovation, championing the design of GSI projects along Park Lane Northeast. The primary objective was clear – to significantly improve the street, infrastructure, and water quality for Cedar Lake downstream while preserving the area’s historic and aesthetic charm.

The Park Lane Project Prioritized:

Community Engagement and Aesthetic Preservation

We began with an in-depth survey to understand the specific needs of the area, followed by a design that seamlessly integrated natural elements, such as rocks, into the curbs. This approach maintained the neighborhood’s visual appeal. Active community involvement was paramount, with 3D renderings and models provided to help residents envision the proposed enhancements.

Environmental Stewardship and Water Quality

We implemented state-of-the-art GSI techniques aimed at delivering substantial water quality benefits to Cedar Lake and reducing the risk of street flooding. This initiative targets effective stormwater runoff treatment, protecting the lake’s ecosystem and promoting environmental health.

Safety and Infrastructure Improvements

HEI’s team prioritized resident safety by improving street conditions, ensuring better drainage and significantly reducing ice formation during winter. The project addressed advanced stormwater conveyance solutions to prevent flooding and efficiently manage water flow, all while adhering to the Chapter 54 stormwater ordinance and watershed district requirements.

Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future

HEI’s role extended well beyond design and engineering. We facilitated communication and coordination with various stakeholders, ensuring the project met regulatory standards and aligned with the community’s vision.

Current Projects

Our projects with the City underscore its position at the forefront of stormwater engineering practices, reflecting its dedication to creating a sustainable, safe, and beautiful environment. The following projects are in progress and support the City’s goals.

Shingle Creek Parkway

Anticipated to be Constructed in 2025

The City will replace aging storm sewer pipes and manholes at four intersections along Shingle Creek Parkway that outlet to Shingle Creek and have caused streambank erosion. By replacing the storm sewer conveyance system and adding multiple GSIs, the City will prevent sediment from entering Shingle Creek, protecting its water quality. HEI will assess the stability of each storm sewer outfall and design its replacement.

This project addresses deficient storm sewer infrastructure at 47th Avenue North, Fremont Avenue North, 46th Avenue North, and Dupont Avenue North. HEI collaborated with the City to collect site data and conduct surveys at these intersections. The team coordinated with the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Organization to ensure compliance with any necessary permits and to receive grant money to provide GSI above and beyond the treatment requirements of the City and watershed.

Green Infrastructure and Accessibility

In addition to storm sewer replacement, HEI designed GSIs for the corridor: two rain gardens and a regenerative stormwater conveyance system (step pool) to treat and convey stormwater into Shingle Creek. The step pool design provides a series of treatment pools to reduce sedimentation, stabilize the creek bank, and provide oxygen to the stormwater runoff. The project will replace the pavement, sidewalks, and curb and gutter as well as evaluate pedestrian ramps to meet current ADA standards.

Newton Avenue Sanitary Sewers

Anticipated to be Constructed in 2025

By upgrading the aging sanitary sewer infrastructure along Newton Avenue and 52nd Avenue North, the City aims to improve the reliability and reduce maintenance of the sewer system, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and failures. In 2023, the City further demonstrated its commitment to community improvement by expanding HEI’s services to include helical pile design, ensuring robust and sustainable infrastructure for the future. Helical piles provide a stable foundation for the sanitary sewer without removing unstable soil, which reduces construction cost and installation time.

The project will replace 553 feet of sanitary sewer main and three manholes. This project is designed to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding pavement, storm sewer, and water services, thereby maintaining the integrity of the area. Additionally, HEI will reconnect sanitary sewer services and replace impacted water services, further improving the community’s infrastructure.

HEI’s team is working closely with the City, Metropolitan Council, residents, and utility providers to gather site data, conduct surveys, and ensure smooth project execution. Regular meetings and progress updates will provide transparency and effective communication throughout the project. The design and planning were completed in October 2024.

1st Avenue Development

Anticipated to be Constructed in 2026

The 1st Avenue North Development project is set to enhance pedestrian safety, bike connectivity, and overall accessibility. HEI’s team will leverage our extensive expertise in stormwater management GSI to ensure that the project not only meets water quality and rate control requirements but also adds aesthetic value to the community.

The City is committed to providing safe, accessible, and inclusive transportation services, and we’re proud to support these efforts. We’ll be installing new sidewalks, bikeways, curb extensions, and ADA-compliant crossings to make 1st Avenue North safer and more accessible for everyone. Upgraded utilities, including water main and sanitary sewer repairs, will ensure reliable services for residents and businesses. Our GSI designs will manage stormwater effectively, contributing to a healthier environment.