Watch CBS News

3 West Metro Construction Projects A Pain For Drivers

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - If you live in the western suburbs, you've likely noticed all the road construction.

MnDOT has projects on three major roadways right now, and they are creating some headaches for drivers.

"Of course it's frustrating," commuter Ahmit Hando said. "Who wants to get stuck in traffic?"

The answer is no one, but chances are good that if you're doing some rush hour driving on 394, 494 or Highway 100, you're going to have to plan for a longer commute.

In some cases, drivers say their commute times from Plymouth to downtown Minneapolis have doubled.

"It's made it a challenge," MnDOT spokesperson Bobbie Dahlke said. "It's asked people to change their times, their commute times, alter their work times a little bit to give themselves some extra time. We are hearing about the long commutes, and we understand that."

Dahlke said the good news is the $11 million resurfacing project on 394 should be done next month. But the work being done on Highway 100 and 494, will last at least two more years.

MnDOT said these projects are planned years in advance. And each of the roadways was deteriorating, creating a sense of urgency in order to ensure driver safety.

"If we spread them out, two of the projects are two-and-a-half year projects," Dahlke said. "So if we wait until one project is done and then wait for another project, we'll never get our projects done."

Dahlke said the contractors working on the 394 project have incentives for getting their work done early.

Those incentives are in place with the hope that it will help accelerate the project.

She said that project has created gridlock for drivers leaving downtown Minneapolis after work.

So she's asking drivers to try to find alternative routes if possible.

Dahlke recommends calling 511 or looking at Google Maps to find out how traffic is flowing on your commute.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.