Design
Where we are
Over the past several years, the project team has worked with communities, agencies, stakeholders, and roadway users to identify transportation issues along the Hwy 252/I-94 corridor and develop potential solutions. Through the Purpose and Need process (Step 1), Scoping (Steps 2 and 3), and the Phase 1A, Phase 1B, and Phase 2 alternatives evaluations (Step 4), alternatives were developed, refined, and evaluated to address safety, mobility, accessibility, and connectivity throughout the corridor.
Based on the evaluation presented in the Draft EIS, Alternative 5A has been identified as the Preferred Alternative. The Preferred Alternative best meets the project's purpose and need while balancing transportation benefits, community considerations, environmental impacts, and project costs.
We have created a website that summarizes the findings of the Draft EIS, why Alternative 5.A was identified as the Preferred Alternative, anticipated benefits and impacts, and opportunities for public review and comment. Explore the Hwy 252/I-94 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Story Map website.
The Draft EIS is available for public review and comment through Dec. 22, 2026. We encourage you to review the document and share your feedback during the formal public comment period. Your input will help inform the Final EIS and future project decisions.
Where we’ve been
2026: Mainline Alternatives
Phase 2 evaluated how the mainline Hwy 252 and I-94 corridors could function in the future, including different combinations of general purpose lanes, managed lanes, and transit-supportive features. Explore the website to view all Phase 2 alternatives and see how each option looked and functioned.
2025: Hwy 252 intersection access options
In summer 2025, we evaluated five options called “Access Combinations” for where drivers could enter and exit Hwy 252. We also considered a No Build Alternative to understand how each option would perform. As part of the evaluation, we looked at how well each option could improve safety and mobility, reduce property impacts, and support emergency response times. Based on technical analysis and community input, the project team recommended advancing Access Combination 1 for further study. Please visit our access combination website to learn more about the options that were studied.
Key features of Access Combination 1:
- Full access interchanges at 85th Ave., Brookdale Dr. and 66th Ave.
- Multimodal crossing under Hwy 252 at 73rd Ave.
- Pedestrian/bicycle bridges at Humboldt Ave./81st Avenue and 70th Ave.
The following improvements to the local roads are recommended:
- Capacity and safety improvements on Brookdale Dr. west of Hwy 252 to Humboldt Ave.
- Safety improvements on 85th Ave. from Dupont Ave. to Noble Ave. and on 66th Ave. west of Hwy 252 to Humboldt Ave.
2024: Over or Under
In 2024, MnDOT analyzed whether Hwy 252 should cross over or under local roads. Based on feedback and analysis, MnDOT is recommending that Hey 252 cross OVER the local roads. Key reasons for this include:
- Less impacts to properties, including relocations.
- Fewer direct impacts on community facilities.
- Reduces stormwater impacts and potential biological resources impacts in many locations.
- Consistent with PAC stated objectives.
2020-2023
MnDOT worked closely with the public and federal/local partners to narrow down Hwy 252/I-94 design options to further study in the draft environmental impact statement phase. Using technical analysis and feedback from project stakeholders and other government agencies, we evaluated numerous designs options using evaluation criteria that measure how well a design will meet the project’s needs.
The evaluation criteria included:
- Safety and mobility for people driving
- Safety and mobility for walking, biking, and rolling
- Transit considerations and improvements
- Social, economic, and environmental considerations
View the Evaluation Criteria document for more information on how options were analyzed.