Eden Prairie braces for significant traffic disruptions on Wednesday due to a memorial service for Burnsville’s fallen heroes at Grace Church, scheduled for 11 a.m.
City officials announced road closures from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate the expected surge of attendees honoring officers Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth.
An unprecedented number of first responders are expected, causing significant traffic impacts around Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, and along the procession route following the service.
The following roads will be closed from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to facilitate the memorial service and procession:
- Pioneer Trail from Eden Prairie Road to Mitchell Road will be fully closed.
- Southbound Mitchell Road will be closed to through traffic from Blakeney Road to Pioneer Trail.
- Mitchell Road will be fully closed south of Pioneer Trail.
- Eden Prairie Road will be fully closed from Pioneer Trail south through Spring Road to Prospect Road.
- Charlson Road will be closed to through traffic from Liatris Lane to Spring Road.
- During the procession, crossing Pioneer Trail from any streets east of Grace Church will not be possible.
Parking and alternate routes
Overflow parking is available at the south side of Staring Lake Park and at Miller Park, with restrictions in place for most of the day. Vehicles at Staring Lake will be unable to exit until the procession concludes, and Flying Cloud Fields parking is reserved for public safety vehicles.
Given the event’s complexity, those in southern Eden Prairie are advised to seek alternative routes. The city is coordinating with Eden Prairie Schools to minimize disruptions.
The Senior Center, 8950 Eden Prairie Road, will close Wednesday due to the service’s traffic impacts.
Service and procession details
The service will be livestreamed on the Grace Church YouTube channel and on local media outlets. It will be followed by a last-call ceremony, including a firearms salute, ceremonial flyover, and a procession of emergency vehicles along Pioneer Trail and south on Highway 169.
For more information and a full procession route map, visit the City of Burnsville’s website.
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