News Release

Roseville, Minn.— The orange cones and barrels have been removed and the reconstruction on I-494 from Highway 5 to France Avenue is finished, reports the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). The I-494 Stage 1 project as it was named by Mn/DOT, was broken into two adjoining projects. Construction began in spring of 2003 and Mn/DOT maintained two thru lanes of traffic in both directions during peak hours continually throughout the projects' duration — a major accomplishment on this stretch of congested roadway. C.S. McCrossan, Inc. of Maple Grove, Minnesota was the prime contractor for both projects.

“We are happy to finish on schedule and we hope motorists enjoy use of the new lanes and reduced congestion,” said Andy Johnson, project engineer I-494 / Highway 100.

The two projects cost approximately $78 million and included the following improvements:

• Two new interchanges.
• Seven new bridges.
• Three travel lanes in each direction. Previously there were only two thru lanes in each direction.
• All new concrete pavement lanes. The existing pavement was completely removed and reconstructed.
• New auxiliary lanes eastbound and westbound (operate like fourth lanes) between Highway 212 and East Bush Lake Road .
• The addition of bus-only shoulders.

The I-494 Stage 2 project starts at Highway 5 and runs north for approximately eight miles. This project is now half completed and is scheduled to be finished late next summer. The finished project will include a third travel lane in each direction and 14 new bridges.

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to SLOW DOWN in the work zone and NEVER enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. Please join us in a safety partnership. For statewide traffic, construction and travel information visit www.511mn.org or call 511 or log on to mndot.gov

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