WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced a $60 million federal grant to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to improve a stretch of the I-494 freeway that goes through Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, and Eden Prairie. This funding is from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The I-494: Airport to Highway 169 Project will alleviate traffic congestion and improve highway safety. It will also preserve bridges, restore pavement, and reduce run-off into the Minnesota River. Key improvements include the creation of MnPASS Express Lanes and a new interchange with a ramp at the I-35W and I-494 intersection.
“Investments in our transportation infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state and country. This federal funding to improve roadways surrounding the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport will create jobs, reduce traffic, and ensure Minnesotans and our state’s visitors can travel safely,” said Sen. Klobuchar.
“If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in critical infrastructure, like highways, that connect people with opportunities all across the state,” said Sen. Smith. “This federal grant will help reduce traffic and improve safety on I-494 so Minnesotans can get to where they need to go and support many jobs during construction. It’s great to see this significant federal investment and I’m going to keep fighting for federal dollars that back Minnesota priorities.”
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