MnDOT invites public comments for I-494 environmental assessment worksheet through May 16
ROSEVILLE, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for an Interstate 494 construction project that will make improvements primarily between I-35W and Highway 77, scheduled for 2027-2030. The public is invited to submit comments for the EAW during the public comment period from April 14 to May 16.
The EAW is a document required for the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. This document is designed to identify the purpose and need of the project along with its potential environmental impacts.
The I-494 project EAW can be viewed on the project website at mndot.gov/metro/projects/i494edina-richfield/eaw.html.
Hard copies of the EAW are also available to view during business hours at these locations:
- MnDOT Metro District Office: 1500 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN 55113
- Augsburg Park Library: 7100 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
- Bloomington Public Works Department: 1700 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
- Edina Library: 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN 55436
- Edina Public Works: 7450 Metro Boulevard, Edina, MN 55439
- Oxboro Library: 8801 Portland Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420
- Richfield Public Works: 1901 East 66th Street, Richfield, MN 55423
Comments to the EAW can be submitted by email, phone or mail:
- Email: i494eaw.dot@state.mn.us
- Voicemail: 651-234-7563
- Mail: Andrew Lutaya, c/o Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1500 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN 55113
MnDOT encourages participation by all. To request documents in an alternative format (such as braille, large print or in a different language) at no cost, email Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720. Relay service: 711.
About the project
Construction to improve I-494 in Bloomington, Edina and Richfield is taking place across multiple projects. The first project began in 2023 and will be completed in the fall of 2026. The proposed project in the EAW is scheduled to start in 2027 and will be completed in the fall of 2030.
The primary goal of the I-494 work is to reduce congestion, improve travel times and safety, plus enhance access for people walking, biking and using transit.
A key improvement the I-494 projects will provide is E-ZPass lanes on I-494 from Highway 169 in Edina to Highway 77 in Richfield. The E-ZPass lanes are scheduled to be open by 2030. Another core improvement is new ramps at the I-35W and I-494 interchange that will give motorists a safer merging experience. These ramps are scheduled to be completed in 2026.
Current construction project improvements — to be completed in fall 2026
- E-Z Pass lanes on I-494 from Highway 100 to I-35W.
- Mainline pavement improvements from Highway 100 to I-35W.
- New ramps at the I-35W and I-494 interchange.
- Permanently close a set of existing exit/entrance ramps from I-494 to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Replace bridges at I-35W, Portland Avenue, Nicollet Avenue and 12th Avenue.
- New pedestrian bridge at Chicago Avenue.
- Construct noise walls.
- Provide wider, accessible sidewalks; add new bike lanes; make upgrades to some transit stations.
Future project Improvements — 2027 through 2030
- E-Z Pass lanes on I-494 from Highway 169 to Highway 100, and from I-35W to Highway 77.
- Rebuild several bridges, including the Highway 77 bridge over I-494, the 82nd Street bridge over I-35W and the railroad bridge east of Lyndale Avenue.
- Replace traffic signals at France Avenue and I-494 and at 82nd Street and I-35W.
- Construct noise walls.
- Provide wider, accessible sidewalks; add new bike lanes.
Learn more about this project and sign up for email updates to stay informed.
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