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Study identifies several potential sites for expanding MnPASS Express Lane system
Technology, road pricing help manage Twin Cities traffic congestion
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A study from the Minnesota Department of Transportation recommends several specific segments of the metro-area highway system as possible candidates for expanding the MnPASS Express Lane system in the Twin Cities. The study supports continuing to use technology such as Mn/DOT’s new electronic sign system called Smart Lanes, and road pricing to manage traffic congestion. The study comes as Mn/DOT nears completion of the region’s second MnPASS lane on Interstate 35W in November.
“The MnPASS Express Lanes have successfully provided motorists with safe, reliable travel while providing multi-modal transportation choices,” said Tom Sorel, Mn/DOT Commissioner. “Extending the system is a cost-effective strategy to manage congestion.”
The study reflects new innovations in design created in part by the Urban Partnership Agreement, a state-federal program to improve traffic flow along I-35W to and from downtown Minneapolis. These innovative designs allow Mn/DOT to set up MnPASS networks within existing roadway and convert shoulders to express lanes to increase advantages for transit.
The study also supports policies in the metro region’s 2030 Transportation Policy Plan. A draft update of the plan was released by the Metropolitan Council in August, and the Council is receiving public comment on the draft through Oct. 7.
“The region will need innovative tools such as MnPASS lanes to manage congestion over the next 20 years,” said Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell. “The draft transportation plan suggests a system of managed lanes, including MnPASS lanes, will move more people more effectively, by allowing for increased capacity within existing right-of-way and providing advantages for transit.
The recommended routes are grouped in three tiers from highest priority (Tier 1) projects that could move forward in two to 10 years based on available funding, to more long-term opportunities referenced in the report as Tier 3. Tier 1 and 2 MnPASS
Express Lanes could be built early and in conjunction with other planned construction projects. The roads include:
Tier 1 – Highest short-term priority
- Interstate 35E between I-94 in St. Paul and Highway 36 Little Canada
Tier 2 – Medium priority
- I-35E between County Road E in Vadnais Heights and Highway 36 in Little Canada
- Highway 36 between I-35W in Minneapolis and I-35E in St. Paul
- I-35W between Highway 36 in Minneapolis to Blaine
- I-94 between St. Paul and Minneapolis
Tier 3 – Longer-term opportunities
- I-494 between Highway 212 in Eden Prairie to I-394 in Minnetonka
- I-494 between I-394 in Minnetonka and I-94 in Maple Grove
- Highway 169 between Highway 101 in Shakopee and I-494 in Eden Prairie
- Highway 77 northbound between 141st Street in Apple Valley and Old Shakopee Road in Bloomington
- I-494 between Highway 212 in Eden Prairie and the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
The report recognizes several policy issues need careful consideration and analysis as the MnPASS Express Lane system expands. These issues include:
- Establishing a regional consensus on the purpose of the MnPASS Express Lanes, particularly balancing the traditional goal of managing traffic congestion against the possible goal of revenue generation, and the permitted uses of any future revenues;
- Ensuring equitable treatment of travelers across the region, particularly if future congestion growth requires that HOVs can no longer use the MnPASS lanes for free;
- Working with the state’s partners at the Federal Highway Administration to develop safe and cost-effective designs;
- Developing strategies for financing new lanes including use of system revenue and innovative finance;
- Considering freight and how it is affected by the MnPASS system; and
- Ensuring continued advantages for transit.
MnPASS Express Lanes currently operate on I-394 between Wayzata and downtown Minneapolis and in two segments on I-35W, from Highway 13 in Burnsville to I-494 and from I-494 to downtown Minneapolis. MnPASS Express Lanes between I-494 and 42nd Street will open in November 2010. Additional MnPASS Express Lanes on I-35W in Burnsville will open in late 2011.
To view the report, see www.dot.state.mn.us.
To comment on the draft 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, visit www.metrocouncil.org.
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