MnDot targets safety improvements
Published 9:47 am Thursday, December 26, 2013
One of the priorities of Minnesota’s highway plan for the next two decades calls for investing in safety-related road improvements.
The Department of Transportation recently wrapped up a 20-year state highway investment plan.
The plan also calls for new connections for multimodal transportation and other projects that foster economic development, along with shoring up the existing infrastructure over the next 10 years.
The second 10 years focuses almost exclusively on preserving and maintaining existing roads and bridges.
“This plan is the result of extensive collaboration among MnDOT, residents, stakeholders and partners throughout Minnesota,” said Charlie Zelle, MnDOT Commissioner, in a press release. “The success of Minnesota’s transportation system depends on the coordinated efforts of many public and private providers. The investment priorities outlined in MnSHIP provide a framework for MnDOT’s contribution to those efforts.”
The plan identifies $30 billion worth of transportation needs over the next 20 years but officials only anticipate $18 billion in revenue, leaving many projects unfunded.
The plan was developed through meetings with the public and a steering committee of city and county stakeholders.
The Minnesota 20-year State Highway Investment Plan has been finalized and is available online. For more information, visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/mnship/