News release: Hennepin County to deliver more than $86 million in transportation improvements

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/06/2015

Contact: Kayla Bromelkamp, Communications, 612-348-8536
Website: www.hennepin.us/media/construction

News release

Hennepin County to deliver more than $86 million in transportation improvements

Repaving projects, bridge work, enhancements to traffic signal systems, improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians and several other major projects are all part of Hennepin County’s $86 million plans to improve the county transportation system this year.

“There will be construction and maintenance happening all across the county,” said Commissioner Mike Opat, chair of the public works committee. “We are making significant improvements on our transportation network in 2015.”

Major projects include:

In addition to major projects, the county has dozens of other maintenance and system upgrade projects. These additional projects include:

  • Repave more than 90 miles in 18 locations across the county to provide a smoother ride for drivers
  • Update more than 300 pedestrian ramps to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
  • Convert 45 traffic signals from incandescent to light emitting diodes (LEDs). When this work is complete, all county traffic signals will use LED lights. Switching to LEDs provides operating cost savings of up to 60 percent for municipalities and will eliminate the annual relamping program, resulting in long-term maintenance cost savings.
  • Synchronize 73 traffic signals to improve travel through targeted corridors. Optimizing signals reduces vehicle stops and delays for motorists. A recent study shows the cost benefit for optimizing signals is 84 to 1 when looking at decreasing numbers of stops, delays and fuel consumption.

Even with the significant investment to improve the county transportation system, the county transportation infrastructure is still aging. Roughly one third of Hennepin County’s system is more than 50 years old, requiring an estimated $1.4 billion to replace.

In addition to Hennepin County funds, most projects include some funding from other sources, such as they city where a project is located, federal, state or Metropolitan Council.

Stay informed

All active projects are posted on our interactive transportation system map. The map has real-time information about major projects, maintenance efforts that may impact traffic, as well as emergency incidents like floods. Transportation map.

Subscribe to email or text message notifications about the county transportation network. Choose notifications about all roads, one particular road, or all county roads within a particular city. Click here to subscribe.

 

Work zone safety

With added construction activity on the road it is a good time to remember to slow down and pay attention in work zones. Stay alert in work areas and dedicate your full attention to driving. Minimize distractions while driving through a work zone. For more tips visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.