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- J.P. Gillach
651-234-7503
Location
Minnesota Department of
Transportation
Metro District
Office of Communications
1500 County Rd B2 West
Roseville, MN 55113
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New I-35W “managed road” electronic signs begin operation Saturday
Electronic signage is a key component of the “21st Century Roadway”
ROSEVILLE, Minn. - New electronic overhead message signs spanning Interstate 35W in Minneapolis between 42nd Street and the downtown exits will be activated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Motorists will note that a red “X” will appear above the left shoulder, which will serve as the left lane when the MnPASS Express Lane opens on Sept. 30. In addition, green arrows may appear over each of the remaining lanes. The red “X” will indicate that the MnPASS Express Lane is not open to through traffic.
When fully operational on Sept. 30, I-35W motorists will see electronic signs deployed over each lane of traffic between Burnsville Parkway and the downtown exits. The signage will provide motorists with information in order to keep traffic flowing, such as whether the MnPASS Express Lane is open and the cost to use the Mn/PASS Express Lane at that time.
When operational, the electronic signs will be blank unless there is a need to advise drivers of closures or incidents in any lane. In addition, the signs will advise drivers about speed limits based on traffic volume or weather conditions. The signs above the left shoulder north of 42nd Street either will display a red “X” or a green arrow at all times to indicate whether or not the shoulder is in use as a MnPASS Express Lane lane. This use of this technology will provide real-time information to drivers that will improve safety and keep traffic moving in order to reduce congestion.
The managed lane signs inside the Crosstown/35W work zone will be installed in 2010.
“The electronic signs are a critical component creating a 21st century road on I-35W,” Nick Thompson, UPA project manager. “Motorists will now have real-time information to help them make informed decisions and keep traffic moving at consistent speeds.”
Through this combination of transit, road pricing, technology and telecommuting, project partners anticipate that commuters will experience more transportation choices, less traffic congestion and reduced commute times on this high-volume roadway.
For more information on the UPA, please visit www.dot.state.mn.us/upa/
For real time, traffic and traveler information visit www.511mn.org, or dial 5-1-1.
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