Skip to content
2.1 Introduction

2.1A Overlays and Modal Networks

Search Content

Download PDF

Print Guide

In addition to the street types, there are overlays and modal networks assigned to specific street segments that influence street design. Prior to designing a capital or private development project, designers should confirm overlays and modal networks by referencing the street type map.

Overlays

Jurisdiction
Overlay

Jurisdiction identifies the decision-making body for the street segment. Common jurisdictions include the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), and University of Minnesota (U of M). In some case, operations and maintenance responsibilities are delegated from the agency with jurisdictional control to another agency by agreement. Designers should consult maintenance agreements to understand existing responsibilities, and the staff whom negotiate them to check for any likelihood of responsibilities shifting in the near future.

Route
Overlay

Route identifies the appropriate standards required by funding authorities for design, maintenance, or operation of the street. Common route types include Local, Municipal State Aid, County State Aid Highway, and State Trunk Highway. Designers should consult appropriate design standards and rules for the route type, but should be aware that some design standards are not as ideal for a highly-developed urban area like Minneapolis. If the rules conflict with the guidance in the City of Minneapolis Street Design Guide, designers should evaluate the conflicting guidance and consider seeking a variance or design exception with the appropriate jurisdiction. An understanding of appropriate design standards is important to understand early in the design process, as the application process for variances and design exceptions may influence project schedules.

Function Classification
Overlay

Functional classification identifies the role that a street plays in the regional transportation system. The functional classification system is managed by the Metropolitan Council in accordance with Minnesota Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration standards. For designers, the functional classification is most relevant to consider when seeking and utilizing federal funding. Functional classifications include: principal arterials, minor arterials, collectors, and local streets.

Snow Emergency Route
Overlay

Snow Emergencies are a set of predefined parking regulations that allow crews to completely clear streets of accumulating snow. In order to be plowed completely, streets must be free of parked vehicles. Snow Emergency Routes are streets where the roadway zone is prioritized for snow and ice control after significant winter storm events. 

Historic Streets
Overlay

Historic streets are specifically designated streets that may still retain some level of historic character, original historic brick, or cobble paving, or streets that have been reconstructed in more recent times with original or modern pavers to reflect a historic character. Designers should consider the historical character and material choices on historic streets. See historic streets guidance for more details.

Speed Limits
Overlay

Speed limits regulate the maximum speed motor vehicles are allowed to operate to support safety and access. Designers should design streets in a way that supports travel at or below the speed limit. The guidance by street type was created with that goal in mind recognizing that most streets need traffic calming elements to support safe speeds.

Modal Networks