Project update

We are in the process of reviewing and preparing responses to all comments that were submitted on the Scoping Document / Draft Scoping Decision Document (SD/DSDD) and the state Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) during the public comment period. We expect to post the final Scoping Decision Document and Findings of Fact and Conclusions (FOFC) document for the EAW, including responses to comments received, on the project website later in 2026.

In September 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) received feedback and concurrence (support) from Cooperating Agencies on the Alternatives Evaluation Memo. Cooperating Agencies are federal agencies that assist with the environmental review process. The memo was also shared with Participating Agencies — other federal, state, and local agencies with an interest in the project — for their information.

The Alternatives Evaluation Memo identifies recommended alternatives to move forward for further study in the next phase of the project, the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Alternatives recommended to advance include: No Build, Maintenance B, Reduced Freeway and Reconfigured Freeway.

MnDOT prepared a draft of the SD/DSDD and shared it with Cooperating and Participating agencies for review and comment. An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) was prepared and shared with Participating agencies for comment. MnDOT incorporated their comments into the documents and provided an update on these documents to Community Leaders and the Policy Advisory Committee.

The SD/DSDD and EAW were released for official public comment from January 6 – March 23, 2026. MnDOT hosted official public meetings (in-person and virtual) to collect comments on the documents.

To learn more about the alternatives, the evaluation of alternatives, and recommendations for further study in the Tier 1 EIS, visit the project StoryMap.