About the study
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The study is analyzing 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 includes adding MnPASS Express Lanes, auxiliary lanes, turn lanes, dynamic shoulders, modifying interchanges, and improving transit accessibility and travel options for transit. Both highways are being studied because improvements to one road is likely to impact the parallel road.
Study goals
- Increase the number of people (not vehicles) that move through each highway corridor and provide reliable trip times
- Enhance economic vitality for the 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-way and performance based principles and improvements that are lower-cost and provide a high-return on investment.
- Coordinate timing with other scheduled and funded projects
- Involve the public and stakeholders in the study
Next steps
The results of the study will be used to determine whether to advance recommended improvements into the project environmental/pre-design process, to add specific improvements to projects that are already programmed, or to get improvements ready, should additional funding become available.