The North Creek Greenway will be a 14-mile trail system that connects Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville, Farmington and Empire Township. It will provide links to destinations such as Lebanon Hills Regional Park and the Minnesota Zoo.
The Lakeville-Farmington segment was identified in the North Creek Greenway Master Plan as a priority project for completing the greenway. A feasibility study and preliminary design report was completed for this trail segment in spring 2021.
The planned project will construct 2.2 miles of the North Creek Greenway between 173rd Street in Lakeville and 189th Street in Farmington. Dakota County will construct 1 mile of new trail in Lakeville and reconstruct 1.2 miles of existing trail in Farmington.
The finished greenway segment will consist of a 10-foot wide paved trail. Other amenities include:
- Two new trail bridge crossings of North Creek
- Safety and accessibility improvements of the trail crossing at 173rd Street
- Connections to local trails and sidewalks
- Seating
- Interpretive signage
- Other features consistent with Dakota County Greenway standards
The trail design will also include considerations for crossing beneath a future 179th Street bridge over North Creek.
Final design, environmental assessment, and engineering work is currently underway with construction targeted for 2023.
Tree clearing update
Due to Federal Endangered Species Act requirements concerning the protection of the northern long-eared bat, tree clearing for this project must occur during the winter months — specifically between Nov. 1 and March 31. The winter tree clearing schedule avoids disturbing potential summer bat habitat. Winter tree clearing ensures that bats are in hibernation away from any removed trees.
To ensure compliance with the federal requirements, Dakota County maintenance staff will clear trees in December. Nearby residents have been notified by mail. Contact the project team if you have any questions.
Open house - Sept. 12, 2022An in-person public open house was held on Sept. 12, 2022 at East Lake Community Park.
Sept. 12 Open House Display Boards
Trail Layout
Contact
If you have questions, contact Bryce LeBrun, project manager, by telephone at 952-891-7213 or email at bryce.lebrun@co.dakota.mn.us.