TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: TRIP report outlines Minnesota transportation challenges

A new TRIP report analyzing transportation in Minnesota details needed improvements to deteriorating pavement, structurally unsound bridges and deficient public transit systems to keep traffic moving across the state. The total cost of suggested repairs could range from $7.1 to $9.4 billion. 

The report, "Minnesota’s Transportation Challenges and Improvement Needed to Address Them," identified areas across the state in particular need of repair, with I-94 in the Twin Cities near the top of the list. In total, nearly one-third of state roads are listed in mediocre or poor condition, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

These poor conditions are also leading to congestion concerns, especially in the Twin Cities metro area. TRIP recommendations include capacity enhancements, roadway reconstruction and managed lanes to help regulate traffic.

From a transit standpoint, an overburdened system has led to significant gaps in service and reliability, TRIP says. Suggested projects that could address some of these issues include expanding regular bus service and introducing bus rapid transit as well as increasing funding for the Hiawatha Light Rail line and the new rail service between Minneapolis and St. Paul scheduled to debut next year.