HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 03-30 Construction Crews Prepare for Big Projects on I-694, I-94 KSTP 3/30/2016 KSTP.com
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Construction Crews Prepare for Big Projects on 1-694., 1-94
Updated: 03/29/2016 10:27 PM KSTP.com By: Josh Rosenthal
A much needed dose of sunshine Tuesday may have made some
Minnesotans �`�"��i'�'' �tt�P �� "
Minnesotans think of a Twins game, a day at the lake, or even a a
bike ride.
Of course, for those pessimists among us, the sunshine might
also make you think of impending roadwork and traffic. Lots and
lots of traffic.
"I hate it," Kay Manahan said of summertime traffic. "I think
Minnesota mass produces orange road cones."
One project sure to require quite a few road cones starts Monday on I-694 between Shoreview
and Arden Hills.
"This area has seen continued growth over the years," Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) spokesperson Kent Barnard said. "A lot of economic growth and a lot more traffic."
As a result, MnDOT is about to add a third lane in each direction—the westbound lanes this
year, the eastbound lanes next year, and a somewhat unusual approach throughout.
"We kind of jokingly were calling it like a cattle shoot, because it kind of directs people and
keeps them moving," Barnard explained.
It works like this: A big barrier will be placed between the two lanes. In short, drivers will
choose left to stay on the highway and they'll choose right to exit.
"So if you take the left lane," Barnard said, "there is no way to exit from that lane."
Long term, the work is expected to increase safety and reduce traffic. Of course in the short
term, the traffic is going to be worse.
"I guess I just have to ride it out," Manahan laughed.
As for one of the other big projects this summer—the roadwork on I-94 between St. Paul and
Maplewood—it's also expected to run through the fall of 2017. The project largely focuses on
resurfacing the road, and MnDOT will begin holding open houses Wednesday to give drivers a
chance to ask any questions they may have.
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