Dakota County is partnering with MnDOT to proactively address safety for students traveling to and from these schools, with a focus on safety for those who walk and bike to school. There are about 50 schools in Dakota County next to county and state roads.
The assessments will focus on safety issues near the schools and recommendations for improvements. The recommendations developed as part of the study will improve safety by identifying solutions in engineering, education and enforcement.
Virtual open house
The virtual open house will be available through at least Friday, Aug. 14. The time may be extended based on feedback and number of responses.
Video also available in Spanish.
Complete a project survey Complete a project survey (Spanish version)
Study need
School zones are a safety priority since they involve younger pedestrians, bicyclists and new drivers navigating county and state roadways. The county has heard this common concern through past work with schools and school districts.
Dakota County and MnDOT have worked with several schools in the county to address safety concerns in school zones. However, a consistent and proactive approach is needed to review safety at all the schools on the county and state highway network.
Study process & timeline
The assessment will take a systemic approach to safety within school zones to identify common challenges and recommended treatments that are appropriate to apply throughout the county. The evaluation will include many partners, including Dakota County, MnDOT, schools, cities and law enforcement.
An advisory committee has been formed with representatives from these partner agencies. The committee will meet throughout the study process to provide input on the safety assessments and recommendations.
The study is tentatively scheduled for completion in fall 2020. The detailed study process and schedule are available below. Recommendations will be developed in summer 2020 with the potential for implementing some improvements in the fall 2020.Other improvements may require more planning and funding over the next several years.
School Safety Assessment Schedule
Communications Plan
List of Schools
How to get involved
There will be multiple ways to provide input to the study.
There will be two rounds of engagement – one in June and July to gather input on safety concerns at schools next to county and state highways and one in September to get feedback on the study's preliminary findings and recommendations.
This website will continue to be updated during the the study as we gather feedback and develop recommendations. If you have specific comments or questions about the project, you can contact Kristi Sebastian, Dakota County Traffic Engineer, at
kristi.sebastian@co.dakota.mn.us.