Project update

Official public comment period expected soon

In mid-September, 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 which alternatives are recommended 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 Scoping Document/Draft Scoping Decision Document (SD/DSDD) and shared with Cooperating and Participating agencies for review and comment. An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) was prepared and shared with Participating agencies for review and 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 will be released for public review. The official public comment period on the SD/DSDD and EAW is expected to occur from January 6 – March 9, 2026. In addition, MnDOT will hold official public meetings (in-person and virtual) during this time to collect comments on the documents.

Read more about the official public comment period and how to comment. To learn more about the alternatives, the evaluation of alternatives, and recommendations for further study in the Tier 1 EIS, visit the project StoryMap.