SAINT PAUL, MN—Today, Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina) presented a bill that would significantly improve traffic congestion on Interstate Highway 35W and Interstate Highway 494 by adding a northbound and westbound ramp. Designed almost 60 years ago, the 35W and 494 interchange carries between an estimated 250,000 and 300,000 vehicles daily and has had only minor modifications since.
“The 494 corridor at 35W has a statewide reputation as one of, if not the worst, metro traffic jams,” said Rep. Rosenthal. “I am disappointed this bill was not included in the House Republicans’ Transportation Omnibus bill; 21 percent of metro-area jobs are located on the 494 corridor. The seven metro-area counties contribute to help fund over 60 percent of outstate Minnesota roads and bridges. It’s important for us as a legislature to work together on a balanced, bipartisan bill that includes long-term sustainability and compromise to fund improvement projects statewide including the 494 and 35W interchange.”
Representative Rosenthal encourages his constituents to contact him at any time. He can be reached at 651-296-7803 or by email at rep.paul.rosenthal@house.mn.
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