Senator Warren Limmer Introduces Bill to Fund $12.3 Million for Critical Interchange Upgrades
Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) has introduced legislation to secure $12.3 million in funding for vital upgrades to a key interchange at Highway 169 and County Road 130 in Maple Grove that has served as a critical access point for freight, commercial traffic, and economic development in the region for nearly four decades. The bill was recently heard in the Senate Transportation Committee and laid over for possible inclusion in the final budget bill.
“The bridge that links Maple Grove to Brooklyn Park from Elm Creek Blvd to Brooklyn Blvd has been on Maple Grove’s remodel list for the past few years,” said Sen. Limmer. “A damaged bridge over Hwy 169 had to be moved up on the rebuild schedule. Last year’s accident closed down one of the four lanes due to the loss of structural integrity. For too long, this interchange has been forced to handle far more than it was originally designed for.”
Originally equipped with temporary signals, this interchange has become outdated and overburdened, now supporting not only freight transport but also those getting to education and job opportunities at the Hennepin County Technical College and Law Enforcement Training Facility, Maple Grove Mining Area, Boston Scientific Corporate campus, and proposed connections between transit and the Arbor Lakes Regional Center. The project, developed in partnership with Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, MnDOT, Hennepin County, and the Three Rivers Park District, aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility for all users.
“What started as a temporary fix decades ago is now a bottleneck that slows commerce, limits safe travel, and prevents future growth. This funding will modernize the interchange to better serve the needs of businesses, families, students, and commuters who rely on it every day,” Limmer said.
The project will address long-standing safety and operational issues while integrating multi-modal infrastructure to support future growth.
Key benefits of the project include:
- Improved traffic flow and reduced congestion for freight and commercial vehicles
- Enhanced safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists
- Better access for students attending Hennepin County Technical College and the Law Enforcement Training Facility
- Improved connectivity to the Maple Grove Gravel Mining Area, the new Boston Scientific Corporate Campus, and the future Blue Line LRT Extension
- Support for regional economic development and job growth in the Arbor Lakes area
If approved, the funding will advance this long-overdue infrastructure improvement, ensuring the interchange remains a reliable and efficient corridor for decades to come.