Barbara Mahigel died days ago while crossing 43rd & Nicollet Ave in the Kingfield Neighborhood. As of today, despite public appeals, the driver of the vehicle that killed Ms. Mahigel has not been apprehended.
In July and late September of this year, the Ward 8 office, Public Works staff, KFNA and area neighbors met about traffic and pedestrian safety concerns at 43rd and Nicollet and nearby areas. After these meetings, Public Works agreed to install safety improvements at 43rd and Nicollet.
Neighbors and the Ward 8 office have requested that Public Works accelerate safety improvements at 43rd and Nicollet, to be installed as soon as possible. Public works has agreed.
What are the improvements?
Bump outs, designed with bollards, will be installed at the NE and SW corners at 43rd and Nicollet, with dimensions of 10’ by 8’. The bump outs will decrease crossing distance for pedestrians, increasing safety. The bump outs will be installed using a “bolt in†method, and can be easily removed or redesigned. Including timeline for ordering materials, the bollard bump outs should be installed around Jan 1.
Public works will also explore design for a median or pedestrian island for the intersection, working with neighbors and KFNA. A median (typically about 8 ft wide) would allow a refuge in the middle of the street for those crossing, increasingUp pedestrian safety. Issues relating to design must still be evaluated, including impacts of the two nearby bus stops.
Why did public works initially recommend installing the bump outs in Spring 2017, rather than immediately?
Public works recommended the Spring 2017 installation based on its experience that indicates there is greater positive impact within the first couple of months after an install; waiting until spring when there is more outdoor activity could have a greater benefit to driver behavior and pedestrian safety. As well, late fall/cold weather issues will mean that certain elements of the bump outs cannot be installed, including paint that shows the full design of the bump outs. Public Works has agreed with neighbors, KFNA, and the Ward 8 office that these benefits are outweighed by the need to have safety improvements installed as soon as possible at 43rd and Nicollet.
Thank you to all who have contacted the Ward 8 office about accelerating safety improvements at 43rd and Nicollet. We are continuing to work with Public Works on additional ideas to increase pedestrian safety here and at other locations.
Many neighbors have asked about their ability to offer condolences and support to the family of Barbara Mahigel. Below is information about Barbara Mahigel’s memorial service, provided by her family. If you would like to express condolences to the family, please mail your cards to Good Samaritan, 5730 Grove Street, Edina MN 55436.
“A public memorial service for Barbara Ann Mahigel will be held Saturday, December 17th at Good Samaritan UMC in Edina, Minnesota. The visitation will be at 10am followed by a service at 11am. All are welcome. Come as you are. Bring only yourself. Please respect the church and their neighbors.â€
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This update has been provided by Elizabeth Glidden, 8th Ward Councilperson. Â She can be reached at 612-673-2208 orÂ
Council Member Glidden is also available to meet with residents every Monday morning, 9-11:00 am, at:Â Sabathani Community Center
310 E 38th Street, 1st floor hallway nearest to the parking lot.