Highway 252/I-94 Environmental Review

Please join us for a virtual public meeting on Wed, Nov. 13 to learn about recommendations for whether Hwy 252 should intersect over or under local roads. For more information, visit the meetings webpage.

The October Project Manager newsletter is now available. In this month’s Project Manager newsletter, Amber Blanchard, provides a brief recap of this week’s Policy Advisory Committee meeting where the project team shared recommendations for whether Hwy 252 should go over or under local roads. This summer, we heard from residents, property owners and businesses about how the over/under decision could impact them and we are finalizing those recommendations now. Be sure you are signed up for project email updates and be sure to join us for our upcoming virtual public meeting on Nov. 13. If you have any questions, please reach out to the project team.

About this study

Hwy 252 and I-94 in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and north Minneapolis need improvements and repairs. Currently, people who use Hwy 252 experience a high number of crashes and heavy traffic congestion, and they feel unsafe walking, biking or rolling across the highway. In fact, three of the existing intersections along Hwy 252 have historically ranked in the top 10 in crashes statewide. These challenges impact the cohesiveness and livability of the surrounding communities and the commuters traveling on Hwy 252 on a daily basis.

To find a solution, we will continue the refinement of design options that were recommended to move forward in the environmental process. During this study, we will work closely with the community, local partners and federal agencies to gain a better understanding of how safety and transportation needs are being addressed with the design options and how they might impact  the environment in surrounding communities, including the people, plants, animals, water, air, buildings, and structures.

From 2020-2023, we evaluated numerous design options using evaluation criteria that measure how well a design will meet the project’s needs. Technical analysis and feedback from the cities, FHWA and various stakeholders were also part of the process to narrow down the possible design options. From this evaluation, several design options on Hwy 252 and I-94 were recommended to move forward for further evaluation.

In 2024 through 2026, we will be analyzing and gathering community feedback on the recommended Hwy 252 and I-94 designs options to determine which combinations should move forward into final design.

We need your feedback on:

• Recommended location of Hwy 252 at interchanges.
• Improvements for people walking, biking, and rolling
• Transit frequency and lanes
• Noise mitigation.
• Visual quality elements such as retaining wall and noise wall aesthetics, bridge railings and landscaping opportunities.

A preferred road design alternative will be selected in 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028.

Project purpose and objectives

Purpose

“The purpose of the Hwy 252/I-94 Project is to improve the safe and reliable movement of people and goods across multiple modes on and across Hwy 252 and I-94 between Hwy 610 and North 4th Street in Minneapolis.”

View the Purpose and Need document or Purpose and Need Summary for more information.

Objectives (desired outcomes)

1. Achieve equitable social, environmental, and economic outcomes.
2. Reduce injuries and fatalities associated with crashes along Hwy 252 and I-94.
3. Support reliable transit service through operational improvements.
4. Minimize the need to acquire additional property.
5. Ensure solutions are consistent with your local government’s planning and are compatible with the existing roadway network.

View the Project Objectives document or Project Objectives Summary for more information.

Project funding

We and our partners have identified funding opportunities for some proposed project features and areas, including:

• 2017:
  • Brooklyn Center was awarded funds for the 66th Ave. and 70th Ave. intersections from the 2016 Metropolitan Council’s regional solicitation
  • Brooklyn Center was awarded additional funds for the 66th Ave. intersection from the 2017 Minnesota Highway Freight Program
• 2018:
  • Brooklyn Park was awarded funds for the 85th Ave. intersection from the 2018 Metropolitan Council’s regional solicitation
  • Corridors of Commerce program
• 2020:
  • Brooklyn Park was awarded funding for Brookdale Dr.

In addition to these funding opportunities, we and our project partners have identified funding in its capital programs to support the effort.