(S.T. PAUL, MN) This week, the Minnesota Senate’s Transportation Committee considered a bill S.F. 3684, authored by Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch), that would provide $3 million for the design, acquisition, and construction of an interchange at Interstate Highway 35 and 400th Street in the City of North Branch.
“This project has regional impacts and is important to the long-term success of North Branch,” Senator Koran said. “Between Highway 95 and the I-35 corridor, our area serves as a major corridor of commerce and travel. Funding this project allows us to continue to grow while also addressing growing traffic and safety concerns. It is time to get moving on this project now.”
The completed project will provide vital access to I-35, north of the Truck Highway 95 access in North Branch, and improve response times and increase safety. Currently, Public safety responders have an extremely difficult time accessing I-35 during peak congestion, significantly impacting response times.
The highway also experiences a high volume of truck traffic, further complicating conditions and adding to the public safety concerns. In addition, the area is often congested with travelers, especially on weekends when many vacationers move through the region, and this project will help address both concerns.