Construction can often have inconvenient side effects and be irritating to drive through, however, leaders of the highway projects are aiming for a better future for St. Louis Park, according to John Griffith, West Metro Area district manager for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Construction on Highway 7 began Aug. 5 and will continue through the end of 2014. The project will make Highway 7 an overpass across the intersection with Louisiana Avenue in order to improve safety and traffic conditions, and provide easier access to nearby destinations.

Other features for the construction project include building roundabouts on Louisiana Avenue, reconstructing W. Lake Street and Walker Street, adding pedestrian and bicycle upgrades and including artistic ele- ments on the highway.

MnDOT is assisting St. Louis Park with the funding and construction inspection for the Highway 7 project, and has helped with many projects in the past.

Griffith said although there are many inconveniences that come along with construction, MnDOT and St. Louis Park are working to help out residents. He said the groups have informed residents on what to expect from the project.

“Dust, noise and vibrations are all expected as part of this project,” Griffith said. “We have held several open houses to help residents understand what these impacts might be and will have several ways in which people can keep up to date with the construction, one being our project website.”

Junior Cheng Vang said he believes the project could be beneficial for the city in the future, but said it is very inconvenient and dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.

“It takes much longer than normal to drive on Highway 7 because of the traffic caused from the construction,” Vang said. “The construction can also cause problems and could be potentially dangerous because of all the equipment and machinery.”