Which Intersection Near Eden Prairie Won a National Award for Efficiency?

Original post by Zac Farber.

The intersection is first-class in a fairly specific class of intersections: MnDOT won the "America's Transportation Award" in the "under budget" category for medium-sized projects that cost between $25 million-$200 million.

“MnDOT is honored to accept this award on behalf of the many transportation partners that contributed to this successful project,” said Charles Zelle, MnDOT Commissioner. “MnDOT’s tradition of partnership and innovation ensures Minnesota taxpayers a high rate of return on their investment.”

When you drive turn north from I-494 onto Hwy 169 does it feel like you just passed through an award winning intersection?

Maybe you'll feel the joy a little more once know that MnDOT's reconstruction project of the exchange won a national transportation award for "showing efficiency and economic responsibility." 

“The project  met more than 90 percent of motorists’ needs while saving approximately $25 million to $40 million in construction costs that MnDOT could use on other projects in the area,” said John Griffith, a MnDOT construction engineer, in a statement. “The project delivered good value.”

The interchange was rebuilt with six ramps instead of the traditional eight.

“Using this approach, the design removes stoplights, reduces congestion and improves safety," Griffith said. "It also resolves issues of access and reliability for commuters, transit providers, freight haulers and commercial vehicles in the entire southwest Twin Cities Metro area.”