The total project cost for the I-394/Ridgedale Drive Westbound On-Ramp project is $8,000,000. TED funds from MnDOT and DEED contributed $2,800,000. The rest will be paid through local Minnetonka municipal state aid funds.
Project Description
This TED project will construct a west-bound on-ramp for the I-394/Ridgedale Drive. The project will also add a west-bound I-394 auxiliary lane, which will run from this newly created ramp to the west of Plymouth Road. The project will result in a fully functional interchange, providing full access from/to both eastbound and westbound I-394.
Transportation Impacts
The project will provide full access to the I-394/Ridgedale Drive Intersection. This will improve traffic operations by reducing congestion and providing additional access for motorists travelling west. It will also allow motorist to utilize the MnPASS lane between Plymouth Road and I-494, which will cut down on congestion and reduce accidents, as well as promoting carpooling and transit use along the I-394 corridor.
Economic Development Impacts
This project provides better and safer access to a major metropolitan economic center and transportation corridor that currently has over 20,000 jobs and is poised for future growth. It is anticipated that access will be improved for many businesses in high value industries such as technology, research and development, and bioscience that already have a presence along the corridor.
