Brad Larsen, a representative from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), provided an overview of the department's plans to implement MnPASS lanes on Interstate 35E to the Washington County Board of Commissioners Feb. 21.
The MnPASS system provides express lanes that are free for buses, carpools and motorcycles; people who drive alone can use the lanes by paying an electronic fee. The purpose of the lanes is to provide commuters more predictable travel times along freeways.
Currently, MnPASS lanes are available on the Interstate 394 corridor, and along a portion of Interstate 35W in the southern metropolitan area. Plans are underway to add MnPASS lanes on Interstate 35E between County Road 96 and Little Canada Road. The plans are part of redoing the pavement on I-35E, adding park-and-ride lots, and replacing bridges over the freeway. The projects are scheduled between 2012 and 2015. Adding the MnPASS lane is expected to cost $80 million, and will require legislative approval.
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The County Board may consider a resolution supporting the project, but is awaiting discussion with local legislators to gain more information.
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