The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced its four Corridors of Commerce projects on Tuesday. Included in their selection were two projects affecting Senate District 30, Highway 169 in Elk River and Highway 94, St. Michael to Albertville. The two projects were selected with the intent to improve Minnesota’s transportation system in ways that benefit the state’s economy. Both projects will begin construction over the next four years.

Senator Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake) issued the following statement:

“The release of the Corridors of Commerce project selections signals some exciting transportation news for the residents of Senate District 30. Both projects will benefit our district significantly by boosting the regional economy and lowering local traffic congestion. As an area that’s been fortunate to see significant economic expansion over the recent future, I’m excited to see these projects get underway so that we can continue to foster that growth for years to come.”

More details can be found on the two Corridors of Commerce projects in Senate District 30 below:

Highway 169 in Elk River – estimated up to $174 million
This project will convert Highway 169 in Elk River to a freeway. The proposed project will construct interchanges at Main Street and School Street, 193rd Avenue, and a partial interchange at 197th Avenue.

Highway 94, St. Michael to Albertville – estimated up to $62 million
This project will expand I-94 from four to six lanes between Highway 241 in St. Michael and County Road 19 in Albertville. The proposed project is intended to improve the capacity of the interstate by adding a third lane in each direction and make interchange improvements at Highway 241 and county roads 37 and 19 in Albertville.

The Corridors of Commerce program was established by the legislature in 2013 with the intent to invest in projects that support commerce in the state not already considered in the state’s transportation investment plan. Since that time, the program has provided more than $330 million to dozens of projects in Greater Minnesota as well as the metro.