Environmental groups concerned about I-94 project through north Minneapolis
![Trucks and card drive on the interstate.](https://img.apmcdn.org/f98fd08300e4f91a04cce4693394c77666fd3753/uncropped/e542a5-20191120-interstate-94.jpg)
Like this?
Log in to share your opinion with MPR News and add it to your profile.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
State transportation officials want to do something about traffic and safety on Interstate 94 between downtown Minneapolis and Interstate 694, as well as state Highway 252 between I-694 and Highway 610.
Minnesota Department of Transportation is considering converting a stretch of highway into a freeway and putting MnPASS lanes on I-94 and 252.
But some are raising concerns about what the proposed changes might mean for residents of north Minneapolis who live along the I-94 corridor.
Alex Burns is chair of the Sierra Club North Star Chapter's land use and transportation team. He said that more traffic on I-94 will mean more pollution for north side residents.
Support the News you Need
Gifts from individuals keep MPR News accessible to all - free of paywalls and barriers.
"When we're talking about turning 252 into a freeway, bringing more traffic down the 94 corridor, that's going to lead to more congestion on 94 and that pollution spills over to north side residents,” said Burns. “MnDOT has talked a lot about decarbonizing transportation and incorporating equity into its lens on projects. But we're concerned that that's not really being looked at seriously here."
Story continues below graphic.
![Highway 252 and Interstate 94](https://img.apmcdn.org/ead59f071128f88ba500658877e1aa8f5044f7d3/portrait/874784-20190804-roadwork01.jpg)
Burns said he wants to see a bus rapid transit option for the I-94 corridor, similar to bus options in Minneapolis on Interstate 35W.
The Sierra Club, along with several other neighborhood groups, are hosting a meeting with local residents and state lawmakers to discuss the MnDOT plans Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Farview Recreation Center Community Room.
Earlier this year, MnDOT held open house events to gather feedback on ideas for the corridor.
“We are not going into this process with a preconceived notion or the plans already drawn up in our heads,” said MnDOT communications specialist Kent Barnard. “We're really trying to look at what the best solution is for the community and for the commuters and the environment and all the other various facets of a project like this."
Barnard said the goal is to gather feedback and continue working on plans through 2020 and 2021. Tentatively, construction along the corridor could start in 2023.