The I-94 project that will add much-needed third lanes from Clearwater to Albertville continues to move forward, although a recent bid came in higher than expected.

 

Claudia DuMont from the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation (MnDOT) informed members at a Hwy. 25 Coalition meeting earlier this month that the bid on the third lane of the I-94 project came in much higher than expected, so further review is needed.

 

MnDOT has 30 days to determine the bid award or not.

 

The I-94 project is comprised of four segments in a 39-mile stretch of the interstate between Clearwater and Albertville designed to reduce congestion, improve safety, improve freight traffic, enhance economic vitality and provide a smoother drive.

 

The first segment of the project, the 5.4-mile stretch from Hwy. 24 in Clearwater to Co. Rd. 8 in Hasty is scheduled to begin this fall. Segment two of the project is the 8.48-mile stretch from Hasty to Hwy. 25 in Monticello. 

 

Along with reconstructing the 14 miles between Hwy. 24 and Hwy. 25, a third lane will be added in both directions. A raised concrete median barrier will be erected between Hwy 25 and Wright Co. Rd. 8 and a cable median barrier will be added between Clearwater and Hasty. 

 

A noisewall along the north side of west-bound I-94, west of Hwy. 25 will be built and commercial vehicle weigh-in motion sensors will be added into the new pavement, which will be bituminous between Clearwater and Hasty and concrete between Hasty and Monticello.

 

The on and off ramps at Clearwater will also be reconstructed due to their age.

 

Segment three of the project runs 3.15 miles between Hwy. 25 and Co. Rd. 18 in Monticello, and the final segment is comprised of the 7.17-mile stretch between Monticello and Co. Rd. 37 in Albertville.       

 

The environmental assessment completed for the project came back with findings of no significant impact.

 

The I-94 project is forecast to continue through 2021; MnDOT expects to keep two lanes open in each direction except for minor interruptions overnight. Total cost of the project is $350 million.

 

Residents can sign up for project email updates at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/i94-mg-clearwater/.