35E MnPASS

MnDOT’s $120 million I-35E MnPASS Express Lanes marked a first-of-a-kind lane approach to having HOV lanes through an interchange commons area to keep traffic moving and increase safety for all motorists. Through the I-35E/I-694 interchange, the northbound MnPASS designation drops for approximately three miles. In the southbound direction, an existing general-purpose lane is converted to a MnPASS lane through the commons area. The hybrid concept was introduced to community stakeholders and corridor users for feedback before it was adopted. The low-cost/high-benefit configuration was a result of a Federal Value Pricing Pilot Program based on the potential to use existing infrastructure more efficiently and facilitated greater transit carpool and vanpool use on the corridor. Now commuters enjoy greater choice in their transportation decisions and have greater control in their trips.

PE Services worked along with our partners to assist MnDOT in delivery of dynamic, first-of-its-kind project. PE Services staff worked to monitor construction processes and test materials to ensure this corridor was built to the standards MnDOT expects. With almost 440,000 tolled trips in 2017, this corridor is being well used today. As a point of interest this project also won a Grand Award in ACEC/MN’s Excellence in Engineering awards.