This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Tired of Congestion on Interstate 94?

Dear Neighbors,

Whether you live in Maple Grove, Rogers, or Dayton, you have undoubtedly been negatively impacted by traffic congestion on Interstate 94.

For Dayton and Rogers residents west of Maple Grove, it can be a daily headache, and anyone going to the lake on weekends in the summer knows how bad the situation can be.

Congestion on I-94 not only impacts the quality of life for area families, but it also raises costs for local businesses when their employees and trucks idle on a deadlocked freeway.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) officials about the frustration felt by area residents and the need to take action (North Crow River News: Area legislators to MNDOT: ‘People are frustrated’).

The I-94 West Corridor Coalition is a group of local governments, private businesses, and the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce that have banded together to fight for one additional lane in each direction on I-94 between Highway 101 and St. Cloud.

The campaign launched by this group is called “Green Light 94,” and it needs our help. MnDOT is seeking public comments and suggestions for projects to be funded in their so-called “Corridors of Commerce Program,” and your email or phone call will help.

Your comments, suggestions, and stories about how congestion impacts your daily life are needed and can be submitted online, by email (corridorsofcommerce.dot@state.mn.us) or by phone: Matt Shands 651-366-4893. Please take a minute and let your voice be heard!

Here is additional information which describes why this section of freeway needs attention.

Return on Investment

·        I-94 is one of the most congested roadways in the Interregional Corridor System. 

·        40% of the congestion on the Interregional Corridor occurs on a 50 mile stretch between Highway 101 in Rogers and Highway 23 in St. Cloud.

Find out what's happening in Maple Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Improvements to Traffic Safety

·        The crash and severity rate is significantly higher than the state average. Many accident victims require helicopter evacuation due to the congestion of the roadway.

Find out what's happening in Maple Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

·        I-94 is the main evacuation route for the Monticello Nuclear Plant, yet it cannot even handle traffic demands during normal, everyday situations. 

·        The National Guard uses alternate routes to avoid I-94 traffic delays, also putting undue stress on local road systems.    


Improvement to Freight Movement

·        Serving as both the primary link to St. Cloud and the only freight corridor to North Dakota, I-94 is a vital economic artery for the Upper Midwest.

·        GNP Company, makers of Gold n' Plump Chicken, estimates that it loses $250,000 annually due to traffic delays on I-94.

·        Spee Dee Delivery estimates that it loses $200,000 annually in traffic delays on I-94.

·        King Solutions has been forced to adjust their delivery schedules to avoid delays and financial losses due to congestion on I-94.

 

Connections to Regional Trade Centers

·        I-94 serves thousands of consumers on their way to both the Albertville Outlet Mall and St. Cloud.

·        Thousands of vacationers and cabin owners travel to the lake country via I-94 every summer weekend; most structure their weekend plans to avoid delays and backups on I-94.

 

Community Support

·        Businesses and political leaders in local communities have united in an effort to expand I-94 capacity.

·        Individuals are actively submitting how I-94 congestion affects their daily lives to the greenlight94.com website.

 

Project Readiness

·        Preliminary steps to make the I-94 project a reality have been taken; the right of way between Highway 101 and Highway 241 is under the control of MnDOT, and the environmental impact statements have already been completed. The I-94 project is ready for construction and could be added to the construction schedule as soon as funding is in place.

********

Please let me know if you have any further questions about this or other state government-related issues.

Have a great weekend,

Joyce

**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A

 

 





We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?