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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — KEY TALKING POINTS <br />1-35W NORTH PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING/ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT <br />August 5, 2015 <br />What is the 1-35W Preliminary Engineering/Environmental Assessment" Project? <br />MnDOT is completing preliminary engineering and a federally required environmental review process <br />for the reconstruction of 1-35W between Hwy 36 in Roseville and Lexington Avenue in Blaine. This work <br />will determine the design of the roadway, estimate the cost of construction, and disclose the potential <br />social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed project. This work is needed to use state <br />and/or federal funding to rebuild the highway. <br />Why is MnDOT considering improvements to 1-35W North? <br />1-35W connects greater Minnesota and the northern suburbs to downtown Minneapolis. As population <br />and employment continue to grow in the northern suburbs, traffic volumes on 1-35W continue to <br />increase. There are several congested sections with up to 127,000 vehicles driving on the highway per <br />day. MnDOT's goal is to design a project that: <br />• Improves safety on the highway <br />• Increases the number of people that can use the highway during peak hours <br />• Provides reliable travel times for commuters during peak hours <br />• Makes the best use of existing roads and bridges without acquiring homes or businesses <br />Why does the project start/end at Hwy 36 and Lexington rather than downtown Minneapolis and <br />Forest Lake? <br />The most congested sections of 1-35W are between Hwy 36 and Lexington Avenue and there are several <br />areas in this section with poor pavement condition. The sections north and south of this area are less <br />congested and less in need of improvements. MnDOT is working to maximize cost efficiency by <br />coordinating this project with pavement preservation projects that are already scheduled for this area. <br />What will the project cost to build? <br />The cost is expected to be between $120 million and $180 million. MnDOT has a total of $100 million <br />currently available for construction in 2019/20. A more detailed cost estimate will be prepared during <br />the Preliminary Engineering/Environmental Assessment project. <br />When will construction start and how long will it last? <br />Construction staging will be determined as a part of the Preliminary Engineering/Environmental <br />Assessment project. It is hoped that funding can be obtained so that construction can start by 2019. <br />Construction is expected to last two years. Typically, all existing lanes and ramps will be open during the <br />winters with some temporary lane and ramp closures during the construction seasons. <br />1-35W North PE/EA — Frequently Asked Questions <br />Revised 815115 1 <br />