Rethinking I-94 public comment period on scoping documents extended to March 23

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is extending the public comment period for two environmental review documents — the Scoping Document/Draft Scoping Decision Document (SD/DSDD) and the state Environmental Worksheet (EAW) — to Monday, March 23.

The comment period opened January 6 and was originally scheduled to run for 60 days. Extending the official public comment will provide Minnesotans with additional time for review and give input on these documents.

The new comment period deadline is March 23, 2026. To promote the comment period, the Rethinking I-94 project team hosted a series of public meetings, both in-person and virtual.

Media and the public were able to attend a virtual public meeting on Feb. 4. MnDOT also held two in-person meetings on January 29 and February 19. to receive comments on the two environmental documents.

Comments can be made on the project website; by email; voicemail; and by mail. Detailed instructions can be found here.

Project background

The SD/DSDD is being conducted under a joint state and federal process and summarizes the purpose and need for the project, identifies public engagement activities, describes alternatives studied in scoping, identifies alternatives that will be further evaluated in the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and identifies social, economic, and environmental issues that will be evaluated in the Tier 1 EIS. The EAW is being conducted under a Minnesota state process. Like the SD/DSDD it summarizes the purpose and need for the project, describes the alternatives studied in scoping and identifies the alternatives that will be further evaluated in the Tier 1 EIS. It also includes information on the social, economic, and environmental issues that will be studied according to state law. The Tier 1 EIS is the next step in Rethinking I-94. It is expected to begin later in 2026.

MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are providing notice of the Scoping Document/Scoping Decision Document and Environmental Assessment Worksheet for improvements on a 7.5-mile length of I-94 between the I-35W and Hwy 55 interchange in Minneapolis and Marion Street in St. Paul. Projects within the Rethinking I-94 program will accomplish the following:

Improve mobility for people and goods on, along, and across the corridor in a way that facilitates community connections for all modes
Enhance safety for people and goods on, along, and across the I-94 corridor for all modes
Address aging infrastructure condition within the I-94 corridor
Support transportation objectives consistent with adopted state and regional (Met Council) plans

The Tier 1 EIS, which begins after scoping is completed, will analyze the program area on a broad scale and identify a preferred design for the I-94 mainline and will identify alternatives where access changes are proposed. Potential impacts will be identified around these locations. A program of construction projects will be identified for future environmental documents.

The SD/DSDD and EAW can be viewed on the project website. Hard copies of the document and printed comment forms will be available during business hours at the following locations:

MnDOT Central Office, Library – Room 175: 395 John Ireland Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155
MnDOT Metro District: 1500 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN 55113
Minneapolis City Hall: 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
St. Paul City Hall: 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102
Minneapolis Central Library: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401

For more information about Rethinking I-94 and to sign up for email updates, visit the project website.

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL or foreign language interpreter, documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print), or other reasonable accommodations, please email ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720.

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