Brooklyn Park Residents Weigh In on Highway 252 Freeway Plans
Brooklyn Park residents are weighing in on plans to convert Highway 252 into a freeway. MnDOT is studying a three-and-a-half-mile stretch of 252 from Highway 610 in Brooklyn Park to I-694 in Brooklyn Center.
MnDOT would remove stoplights and build on-off ramps. It’s also considering creating MnPASS lanes which are reserved for carpools and solo drivers who pay a fee. Drivers we spoke with say the freeway conversion is badly needed.
“Why is it needed? Because of the accidents that occur on 252,” said Joe Casella, who uses Highway 252. “I think that’s extremely important to reduce that.”
According to crash data, five of the most crash-prone intersections in the state are on Highway 252. A pedestrian was also killed on 252 earlier this year.
Some residents we spoke with also say the freeway conversion will help with traffic flow and the considerable amount of traffic backups. A MnDOT spokesperson says MnPASS could help with traffic flow.
“The goal in using MnPASS to do this would be to reduce congestion, as well as the number one priority of increasing safety on the corridor,” said Erik Baxstrom, MnDOT spokesperson.
The preliminary budget estimate for the Highway 252 freeway conversion is between $270 million to $320 million. The timeline for the project is still uncertain, but construction could possibly begin in 20-23. The project would last two years.
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