The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) unveiled four Corridors of Commerce projects to be funded by more than $400 million at a press conference this week.
The Corridors of Commerce initiative was created five years ago by Gov. Mark Dayton and the legislature in an effort to improve roads in ways that will specifically boost the state's economy. MnDOT chose a pair of projects in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota after requesting recommendations from the public.
The most expensive project—valued at $154 million—will convert U.S. Highway 169 into a freeway in Elk River. But the first project on MnDOT's agenda will be to add another lane in each direction to I-94 between St. Michael and Albertville. At a cost of $56 million, MnDOT said it will improve the capacity of the interstate. The second priciest project—at $134 million—will add a westbound MnPASS lane to I-494 between SH 77 to I-35W, and an eastbound MnPASS lane to I-494 between France Avenue and SH 77. Another project constructs the first phase of a turbine interchange that includes a ramp for northbound I-35W to westbound I-494 traffic, estimated at $70 million.
MnDOT received recommendations for 172 projects valued at $5.5 billion. The department said the final projects chosen will improve interstate capacity and reduce crashes. Work on the selected projects will not begin until at least 2020.
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Source: KSTP-TV (Minneapolis)
