Maple Grove I-94 Lane Closures Begin April 6
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) unveiled its 2020 summer road construction schedule Thursday. The list of of projects is less robust compared to previous years, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may also be less disruptive.
Adding Lanes to I-94 through Maple Grove
The biggest project impacting the northwest suburbs is adding lanes to Interstate Highway 94 through Maple Grove. MnDOT will add a lane in both directions between Highway 610 in Maple Grove and Highway 101 in Rogers. It would increase the number of lanes on that nine-mile stretch to four each way.
According to MnDOT officials, lane closures will begin Monday and continue through May 4. However, there will be no lane closures between 6-10 a.m. on eastbound I-94 and 3-7 p.m. on westbound I-94.
Photo of I-94 construction last year
The I-94 project also includes building a new diamond interchange southeast of Brockton Lane in Dayton. Resurfacing deteriorating pavement is another part of the project. Work will run through the 2021 season.
“It is critical that MnDOT continue its work to maintain and improve our state’s transportation infrastructure,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “A safe, reliable and multimodal transportation system is essential to keeping our state running in times of crisis.”
Construction Workers to Follow COVID-19 Health Guidelines
Governor Tim Walz declared an exemption for workers in road construction, maintenance and utility projects in his stay-at-home executive order issued last week. According to MnDOT officials, construction projects will continue within the guidance set by state and federal health officials to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
“We are especially grateful to our employees and partners in labor and the private sector for working together and prioritizing safety for workers on project sites,” said Kelliher in a statement to CCX News.
The Maple Grove is one of among 188 road and bridge projects statewide. The total cost is more than $1 billion. You can view the complete list on MnDOT’s website here.
