About the project

MnDOT developed an Environmental Impact Statement for I-494 that provided a preferred alternative to reconstructing the highway from I-394 to the Minnesota River. To fund construction, the corridor was broken into three segments to concentrate on smaller more affordable projects. Segments 1 and 2 of the corridor were reconstructed from I-394 to Hwy 100 in 2006.

Segment 3 (Hwy 100 to the Mississippi River) was broken into three smaller segments because of the overall size of this stage. The I-494 / I-35W Interchange is one segment of Stage 3.

Project benefits

• Improved efficiency of the interchange
• Improved safety by providing high speed moves from one system to the other
• Reduced weave sections on the mainline
• Increased highway capacity