Contacts
- Kevin Walker
651-234-7509
Location
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Metro District
Office of Communications
1500 County Rd B2 West
Roseville, MN 55113
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Two additional miles of MnPASS Express Lanes open on I-35W
ROSEVILLE, Minn. — Motorists on Interstate 35W in Burnsville have the choice of a more predictable commute time beginning today with the opening of approximately two additional miles of northbound MnPASS Express Lanes between Burnsville Parkway and Southcross Drive, just north of the I-35W/I-35E split.
“I-35W MnPASS Express Lanes offer all motorists less congestion on one of the busiest roads in Minnesota,” said Brian Kary, freeway operations engineer.
MnPASS Express Lanes move 50 percent more people than regular lanes and provide transit riders faster, congestion-free service because buses can always use the lane. Traffic lanes adjacent to MnPASS lanes remain open to all vehicles and are less congested because of MnPASS.
Crews also constructed new bus shoulders and noise walls, resurfaced the pavement and improved drainage in the area.
MnDOT will activate Smart Lanes on the same section of I-35W this winter. Smart Lanes are electronic signs located over lanes of traffic that provide real-time information to help motorists make informed decisions about their commute.
Buses, carpools and motorcyclists can use the MnPASS Express Lanes for free. Solo motorists with a MnPASS transponder can choose to use the lanes during rush hours by paying a fee averaging $1.25.
For a limited time, MnPASS customers entering the lanes just north of the I-35W/I-35E split will not see a price sign until Burnsville Parkway. Additional price signs south of Burnsville Parkway will be installed in spring 2012. Generally, MnPASS customers see a price sign before they enter the lanes.
Commuters can open a prepaid MnPASS account in less than 10 minutes online at www.mnpass.net, by calling the MnPASS Customer Service Center at 1-866-EZ-RIDE4 (1-866-397-4334), or by stopping in the Commuter Connection office at US Bank Plaza – Skyway at 220 S. Sixth St., Suite 230. The MnPASS Welcome Kit will arrive in the mail with easy instructions for installing the transponder in the vehicle. For more information on MnPASS, visit www.mnpass.org/.
The next MnPASS Express Lanes are proposed to be built from 2013-15 on I-35E between Pennsylvania Avenue and Little Canada Road, signifying the first MnPASS investment in the eastern Twin Cities Metro area and an essential link for people commuting between downtown St. Paul and suburbs to the north.
For travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.
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