Aging infrastructure was plaguing sections of I-35W in Minneapolis, creating safety and mobility issues for people utilizing transportation modes. To address this, Minnesota DOT’s project significantly improved pedestrian crossings of the interstate, created new access to important business hubs within the community and included a new bus rapid transit station that is part of the METRO Orange Line BRT. Along with the improved connectivity in relation to the pedestrian crossings, MnDOT improved access from the highway into one redeveloping business district along Lake Street, improved accessibility for many medical facilities located in the adjacent neighborhoods, and started to reconnect neighborhoods that were severed from the original construction of I-35W.
America's Transportation Awards 