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Starting this month, you may see crews working on the shoulders of I-94 between Maple Grove and Clearwater to remove trees and relocate utilities. This work is to prepare the area for road work that will begin later this spring.
We are committed to the recommended tree removal guidelines set forth by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize potential impacts to northern long-eared bat habitat, which is listed as a threatened species in Minnesota. The recommended timing for tree removal is between Nov. 1 and March 31 to avoid bat pup rearing season, the time of year bats are raising their young. We are adhering to these timing guidelines to:
- Conserve Minnesota’s bat and bird diversity
- Follow the regulations to protect the species under the Endangered Species Act
- Reduce the spread of invasive weeds and tree pests
Cleared trees will be recycled and used for mulch and erosion control throughout the project area. All planned tree removal is occurring on MnDOT’s property.
Learn more about MnDOT’s tree clearing timing requirement.
We will improve 39-mile stretch of I-94 between Maple Grove and Clearwater, that includes more travel lanes, rebuilt bridges, improved drainage and the resurfacing of deteriorating pavement. Additionally, a new interchange is being constructed on I-94 near the city of Dayton. The improvements will reduce congestion, improve safety, improve freight movement, enhance economic vitality and provide a smoother ride for users of I-94. Work will take place between 2019 and 2021.
For more information about this project, visit the I-94 Maple Grove to Clearwater project website at: mndot.gov/i94-mg-clearwater.
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