News Release

(Roseville, Minn.)—The intersection at Highway 169 and Pioneer Trail in Bloomington and Eden Prairie will begin its transformation into an interchange when the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) begins a reconstruction project there at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 21. This project and a similar one that will begin next year at the highway's intersection with Anderson Lakes Parkway, were selected as part of 12 projects to be accelerated under the Pawlenty-Molnau transportation funding package approved by the 2003 legislature.

"We are thrilled to see construction begin on this long-awaited project and are proud to announce that we have moved this project ahead four years by including it in the accelerated package," said Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

"This project, along with the 11 others we will see throughout Minnesota over the next
few years, will save more than 65 years in construction delays and help Minnesotans travel more safely and efficiently," added Pawlenty.

The first step in the project will be the removal of the signal lights at this intersection, which will in effect give motorists a "green light" on that portion of the highway. Pioneer Trail will be closed between Hennepin Town Road and Bloomington Ferry Road and local road detours will be posted.

"This project will help improve the traffic flow on this roadway that carries some 59,000 cars on it each day. Motorists from Mankato to Plymouth will reap the benefits of this improvement," said Carol Molnau, Minnesota's lieutenant governor and transportation commissioner.

The project includes constructing a bridge over Highway 169, constructing retaining walls, noise walls and ponds. Some trees must be removed to accommodate the road work, but many trees will be transplanted at various locations in the community. Access to local businesses will remain available during construction.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2005.

"For this project and all the construction projects Mn/DOT has in operation this summer, we ask motorists to please join in a safety partnership. Please follow the posted speeds in the work zone and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones, " added Molnau.

For statewide traffic, construction and travel information visit www.511mn.org or call 511.

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WORK ZONES. PAY ATTENTION OR PAY THE PRICE.