MnDOT invites public comments on Freight Investment Plan

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is taking public comments on the Freight Investment Plan. The plan will help the agency and its stakeholders make freight capital improvements that improve freight mobility, safety and first- and last-mile connections over the next 10 years.

“The Freight Investment Plan addresses some of the freight transportation needs that exist across Minnesota,” said William Gardner, director of the Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations.

“These investments will help the state’s businesses shop and receive their goods more efficiently, reliably and safely.” The public can comment on the plan until Dec. 18.

The plan is online at http://www.mndot.gov/planning/freightplan/index.html. The plan is also available at MnDOT’s Central Office library, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, and at the agency’s district offices around the state.

Comments also may be submitted via email to FreightPlans.DOT@state.mn.us or mailed to Nicole George, Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations, MS 470, 395 John Ireland Blvd. St. Paul, MN, 55155.

The investment plan identifies $99 million in freight capital improvement projects, including interchange and intersection reconstructions, highway improvements and port terminal expansions.

They were selected through a statewide grant application process. The project list is online at www.mndot.gov/ofrw/mhfp.

After the Freight Investment Plan is finalized, it will be amended into MnDOT’s Statewide Freight System Plan, which was revised to address requirements of the federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act legislation passed in 2015.