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 first virtual open house is now closed. 
Read a feedback summary from this open house.
The next virtual open house to present preliminary recommendations is planned for October or November 2020.
Video also available in Spanish.
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 planned for completion by the end of 2020. The timeline for the study has been adjusted due to remote learning, COVID-19 and to provide additional opportunities for public input. Recommendations will be developed in fall 2020 with some improvements implemented in 2021. 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 summer 2020 to gather input on safety concerns at schools next to county and state highways and one in October or November 2020 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.
Provide input
Complete a project feedback form