Road Work Updates

Help us design the future look of I-494!

In collaboration with Hennepin County, Bloomington and Richfield, MnDOT is moving toward the construction of the first project in the I-494 Vision. As part of the future I-494 project, MnDOT is developing a Visual Quality Manual (VQM) that will guide the aesthetic qualities and the corridor’s visual elements. The VQM will guide the design of ground colors and materials, medians, fences and railings, wall patterns, landscaping, lighting and more. It will also identify locations to incorporate public art into aesthetic features.

The VQM team needs your input to create a list of themes that reflect the character of our community. The themes will guide the design and aesthetic features of the corridor. Please consider attending the VQM virtual listening sessions on Tuesday, February 1 or Tuesday, March 1 to contribute your ideas! Learn more about these engagement opportunities at www.494openhouse.com.

December 9, 2021 77th Street Underpass Construction Update!

• Despite the onset of winter weather, construction crews are still hard at work. While work will slow compared to what could be accomplished in the summer months, the contractor has staged the project in a way that will allow progress to be made all winter.
• Construction crews are currently focused on the installation of footings for the bridge which will lead westbound 494 over the 77^th St underpass construction and onto TH 77 northbound.
• Crews also continue to work on the abutments for the bridge which will take southbound TH 77 traffic over the underpass and onto westbound 494.
• Along TH 77 and old Cedar Ave, metal sheeting is being driven into the soil surrounding the area of the future underpass to help ensure soil stabilization in preparation for future excavation.
• Due to the metal sheeting installation mentioned above, there have been single lane closures on southbound 77^th  this week from 6am to 2pm which will continue through the end of next week.
• Storm sewer structures are being installed over the next couple weeks in the project area along 77^th St in Richfield.
• Despite the cold and snow, Washington Park grading continues and will continue as the contractor works toward a more level grade in the area of the new tunnel.
• Next week the future Richfield parkway linking 76^th St and 77^th St along the eastern edge of Washington park will be fully graded and will sit idle over the winter waiting for the next phase of the project to begin.