The team will design and construct a tolled E-Z Pass HOV lane in both directions between East Bush Lake Road and I-35W, a reconstructed interchange at I-494 and I-35W, including a turbine ramp for the northbound I-35W to westbound I-494 movement, and a reconfiguration of the access at Nicollet, Portland, and 12th Avenues. The project scope also includes the construction of 12 new bridges, including a new pedestrian bridge, more than 30 retaining walls, noise walls, and new drainage infrastructure.
The project is part of a long-term vision by MnDOT that includes improvements to address current and future transportation issues on I-494. It aims to provide a transit advantage to increase the number of people who can be efficiently moved through the area; improve the reliability of the average rush-hour trip; improve safety; restore pavement to preserve infrastructure and provide a smoother ride; improve drainage systems to reduce localized flooding and reduce run-off into the Minnesota River while preserving existing bridges.
