Project background
The current alignment and design characteristics of the I-35W/Highway 62 Crosstown Commons Area were decided in the 1960s. These decisions were made in an effort to avoid significant land acquisitions and other serious impacts. Over time, as increased travel demand and use of the roadway pressed it to capacity, the need for change became evident. New design standards have been developed to provide safer driving conditions for motorists on the roadway. Increased traffic brings pressure for more efficient and effective use of the roadway in order to handle ever increasing travel demand.
Extensive environmental studies of the various design alternatives were prepared as plans were made for I-35W/Highway 62 Reconstruction. In 1992, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released, documenting the environmental impacts associated with reconstruction of I-35W from downtown Minneapolis to Burnsville. The Final EIS was completed in 1995. Changes were made to the design in 1996. To address impacts associated with this design change, an EIS Addendum was prepared and approved in December 1996.
In 2001, the plans to rebuild the I-35W/Highway 62 Crosstown Commons area were ready for construction. However, as a result of strong public opposition to long term construction closures and the lack of additional capacity at several critical locations, state Legislators intervened to defer the project. A study was commissioned and the I-35W/ Crosstown Highway Study Advisory Committee was convened, consisting of state legislators and elected community leaders, to assist in redirecting the design of the commons area.
It was recognized that keeping the right of way acquisition to an absolute minimum may not be possible if the road could not be closed during construction. The study would need to carefully identify minor amounts of right of way that would be acquired to allow room for traffic to keep moving while construction was underway.
A revised concept was presented in early 2002, based on a study conducted by Mn/DOT staff and their consultant. The plan included an additional lane for northbound and southbound I-35W traffic, and maintained one through lane each for eastbound and westbound traffic on Highway 62 through the commons area.
In addition, the 2002 concept limited road closures during construction to periods of two to eight weeks. The original reconstruction plans would have prohibited certain movements for three to four years. The 2002 concept also maintained two lanes northbound and southbound on I-35W during construction.
Based on the results of the legislative study, Mn/DOT retained SRF Consulting Group to refine the 2002 concept, prepare environmental documentation to address potential impacts and develop final design and construction plans.