I-494/Hwy 62 Congestion Relief Study

Study complete

About the study

I-494/Hwy 62 Congestion Relief

The study analyzed I-494 and Hwy 62 between the Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) International Airport on the east and the I-494/Hwy 62 interchange on the west. The analysis included adding MnPASS Express Lanes, auxiliary lanes, turn lanes, dynamic shoulders (vehicles use road shoulders as lanes during peak drive times), modifying interchanges, and improving accessibility and travel options for transit. Both highways were studied because improvements to one road is likely to impact the other.

Study goals

• Increase the number of people (not vehicles) that move through each highway corridor and provide reliable trip times
• Enhance the economic vitality for public and private businesses in the Twin Cities region
• Enhance safety and mobility by providing congestion-free travel options
• Enhance and maintain advantages for transit, taxi cabs, airport shuttles,  carpools and non-motorized connections (pedestrian, bicycle and light-rail)
• Use existing roads, right-of-ways and performance based principles and improvements that are lower-cost and provide a high-return on investment
• Coordinate implementation timing with other scheduled and funded projects
• Involve the public and stakeholders in the study

Learn more about the study recommendations and key findings. For a copy of the Executive Summary contact Paul Czech at paul.czech@state.mn.us.

Project schedule

• Study: June 2016 – spring 2017
• Final Report completed: January 2018