The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) released its 2024 state construction projects, as well as online travel planning tools in early April. MnDOT says it has planned 193 road and bridge projects and 54 projects to improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings and transit infrastructure.
The state agency includes 12 transit projects supported by nearly $17 million in state funds. The projects include construction of two new operation/storage facilities, additions and upgrades to five facilities, construction of two transit hubs, improvements at passenger stops and the design of a Park and Ride.
One of the projects is the construction of a transit hub in Northfield, Minn. The $2.5 million project is supported by $1.75 million in state bonding funds. The new hub will be connected to the Historic Northfield Depot and will serve as a connection and transfer point for local and regional bus and other transportation options.
Another project to advance during MnDOT’s 2024 construction season is St. Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission’s (Metro Bus) Western Transit Hub. The $4 million project is supported with $2 million in state funding. According to Metro Bus, the hub will be a crucial component to improve system efficiency, serve underserved and unserved populations and allow for shorter trips on the transit system. Metro Bus finalized acquisition of two parcels of land for the hub in January.