News Release

Minnesota Department of Transportation Announces Construction on Wakota Project in May 2002

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced a major bottleneck relief effort beginning with the reconstruction of Interstate-494 and Highway 61 and the replacement of the Wakota Bridge over the Mississippi River on I-494. This project is part of Mn/DOT's Moving Minnesota efforts to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Minnesota by developing a coordinated transportation network that allows people and goods to move efficiently across the state.

Over 145,000 vehicles travel this corridor daily and by staging the construction over a period of six years, impacts to commuters will be minimized. Mn/DOT continues to research ways to reduce congestion caused by the project construction and reduce the total project completion time.

"This has a significant impact on everyone who lives in or travels through this area," said Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg , Mn/DOT Commissioner. "Thanks to the involvement of the Wakota Coalition and partnership arrangements with Newport, St. Paul Park and Washington County and others, this project was able to move forward ahead of schedule."

The Wakota project also includes associated local road improvements within St. Paul in Ramsey County; South St. Paul in Dakota County; and Newport and St. Paul Park in Washington County.

Two informal open houses will be held to provide an opportunity to meet with Wakota project team members, learn more about the project, and discuss issues or concerns.

The Wakota Open Houses are scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2002, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Newport Fire Station, located at 155 20th Street, and on Thursday, May 2, 2002, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Paul Park City Hall, located at 600 Portland Avenue. People who require special accommodations, should contact Mary McFarland at 651-582-1176.

The first issue of the quarterly Wakota newsletter has been distributed in April to residents and businesses in the Wakota project area. Information about the project and the newsletter are also available on the Wakota project web site at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/wakota

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Metro Division
1500 County Road B2 West
Roseville, MN 55113
Office Tel: 612/582-1000