Project background

Currently, only one of the four projects to rebuild the I-694 Corridor between I-35E and I-35W is scheduled and underway:

• I-694, Hwy 10 and Snelling and Hamline Ave interchange in Arden Hills began September 2011; work includes bridge replacements, reconstruction of I-694, Hwy 10, Hwy 51/Snelling Ave/Hamline Ave interchange and realignment of I-694

 

The other projects are:

• I-694 and Rice Street
• I-694 from Rice Street to Victoria Street
• I-694 and I-35W interchange

 

These projects will address the following issues:

• Lack of capacity throughout the corridor
• Inconsistent lane configuration
• Deteriorating pavement structure
• Deceleration and acceleration lanes
• Deficient bridges

 

Only one lane handles through-traffic at the interchange of I-694 and Hwy 51 (Snelling Avenue) / Hamline Avenue and Hwy 10 in Arden Hills. The combination of travel demand and this geometric deficiency (traffic weaving) results in safety issues and travel delays on the corridor, and has created one of the worst bottlenecks in the Twin Cities Metro area.

 

Project overview video:

 

Diversity and opportunity

Read more about this project's opportunities for Disadvantaged Businesses.

 

 

Staging schedule

All staging and dates are subject to change

 

Stage 1A (Sept. 19, 2011 – Spring 2012)

Bypass construction and work on the new alignments of eastbound and westbound I-694 in the current median of I-694. Long-term traffic impacts:

• Southbound Hamline Ave closed at Ramsey County Road F until November 2012
• Ramp from southbound Hamline Ave to eastbound I-694 closed permanently

 

Stage 1B (Summer – Winter 2012)

Continue work on new eastbound and westbound I-694 in the current median of I-694. Long-term traffic impacts:

• Close northbound Snelling Ave at CR E (no access to I-694 or northbound Hamline Ave) for 7 months, beginning April 2, 2012

Stage 2 (Summer – Fall 2012)

Work on Hamline Ave, Snelling Ave, loops and eastbound Hwy 10. Long-term traffic impacts:

• Ramp from westbound I-694 to Hamline Ave closes permanently (April 2012)
• The ramp from northbound I-35W to eastbound I-694 closed in early August for reconstruction of the new eastbound lanes of I-694. The ramp will reopen in late November 2012.
• Close ramp from eastbound I-694 to southbound Snelling Ave for 6 months, beginning June 2012
• Close eastbound Hwy 10 at Ramsey CR 96 for 6 months, beginning June 2012
• Close the intersection of Hamline Ave and CR F for 1 month, beginning Oct. 1, 2012
• Close ramp from eastbound I-694 to Lexington Ave for 1 month, beginning Oct. 15, 2012
  

Island Lake Bridges

Reconstruct both bridges in stages during Summer 2012. No boat traffic under I-694 for 6 months. Long-term traffic impacts:         

• Close Victoria Street ramp to westbound I-694 for two and a half months, beginning June 2012
• Close eastbound I-694 to Victoria Street for two and a half months, August - Oct. 14, 2012
  
  

Motorists should expect additional off-peak and weekend closures throughout the duration of the project. Contract completion is November 2013.

                                                               
Stage 3 (Winter 2012-13 – November 2013)

Work on westbound Hwy 10 and complete westbound I-694. Long-term traffic impacts:

• Close westbound I-694 ramp to westbound Hwy 10 for 1 year, beginning November 2012
• Close Lexington Ave to westbound I-694 for 6 months, beginning April 2013

A project to widen the Lexington Avenue bridge crossing I-694 began May 7, 2012 and was completed in early July 2012. The project added dual left turn lanes and a wider, improved bicycle/pedestrian crossing.