Minnesota Notes

[Mdcastle]

Now that Florida is also onboard we just need to get South Carolina.

[cpzilliacus]

Just reading the literature from MnDOT, looks like their version of EZPass may be the one to get for anyone looking pick one up. Only $25 for the unit and all models will (obviously) have an HOV Mode, no periodic fees etc...

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn/downloads/E-ZPass-MN-DigitalBro21.pdf

We might switch to the MN one once it's released if all of that is the case. My dad have probably paid at least $25 in monthly fees for Ohio's EZ Pass already, and the HOV option would be a nice to have on roads like I-77 Charlotte.

Virginia has several managed lane corridors where HOV vehicles (usually HOV-3) get free passage if they have an E-ZPass Flex transponder in HOV mode.

[cpzilliacus]

E-ZPass compatibility activation date set for August 2: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn/?fbclid=IwAR1S077oKfmqaVBXdowJdBF9TFZ4wIA0sDL5L-_Uc05iBrVlp63gFya4ki8

The MnPass designation will be phased out in favor of E-ZPass. Old MnPass tags will not be compatible with non-MnPass roads; users will need a new E-ZPass transponder if they want to use it in other states.

WCCO-TV 4 (CBS): MnPass To Become E-ZPass, Usable On Toll Roads In 19 Other States

[cpzilliacus]

Now that Florida is also onboard we just need to get South Carolina.

And Georgia.

[DJ Particle]

I noticed on the MNDoT site that their plan for future HOT lanes includes MN-252.  Are they finally gonna freeway that corridor?

[froggie]

^ I'm surprised you haven't noticed, especially since it's been over the news here and there the past few years.  They even got Corridors of Commerce funding in 2018.

[Mdcastle]

There was popup funding for a couple of interchanges. The funding is still there waiting but those are on pause now while a full EIS of the entire I-94 / 252 corridor from the viaduct north.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

There was popup funding for a couple of interchanges. The funding is still there waiting but those are on pause now while a full EIS of the entire I-94 / 252 corridor from the viaduct north.

It sounds like some in the Brooklyn Park/Center city governments are starting to cool on the idea of converting 252, at least fully. I don't really understand why because there aren't really any homes close to the road that would be impacted by accessibility issues.

[froggie]

In Brooklyn Center's case, it has more to do with A) 70th and diversion of traffic, and B) business impacts at 66th.

[Mdcastle]

MnPass branding has been removed in favor of E-ZPass on the fixed signs.

[Papa Emeritus]

The Star Tribune says the final upgrades of Mn 212 to a four lane highway through Carver County will be completed by 2025. Here's a link:

https://www.startribune.com/finish-line-in-sight-for-hwy-212-expressway-across-carver-county/600081097/

Widening will be done by the end of next year between Carver and Cologne, with the final stretch to be completed afterward.

Froggie (or anyone else), will the stretches west of Carver be four lane divided highway, or a full freeway? If they will be a divided highway, will enough right of way be provided to allow conversion to a limited access freeway at a later date?

[froggie]

The design layouts I've seen are for 4-lane divided with RCUTs.  Private driveways would remain but all cross-median movements would be done via the RCUTs.  I've seen references to an overpass at CSAH 51 (between NYA and Cologne) with connections via access roads with RIROs on 212 (instead of more traditional interchange ramps) but since final design of the NYA-Cologne stretch is ongoing, that may change.

Here's the layout for what's currently under construction between Cologne and Chaska.  Imagine something similar west of Cologne with the possibility of some sort of overpass at CSAH 51.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

One problem is now that we're getting away from the ROW of the new 212 freeway, dealing with the existing driveways and minor cross streets and trying to squeeze in interchanges on the mini-bypasses of Cologne and NYA will be a little more expensive and touchy.

Unrelated and fictional, but now looking at the map I'm slightly annoyed that there's no Glencoe cutoff for MN 22 so you can skip having to arc eastward through Glencoe to stay on 22.

[froggie]

Unrelated and unfictional, but now looking at the map I'm slightly annoyed that there's no Glencoe cutoff for MN 22 so you can skip having to arc eastward through Glencoe to stay on 22.

(FTFY)

MnDOT and Glencoe are studying 22's routing.

[SkyPesos]

Now that Florida is also onboard we just need to get South Carolina.

Hopefully the KY/OK/TX network after that. Chicago-KC is not that much farther than Chicago-Twin Cities, but you're in a different ETC network from E-ZPass in the former.

[Joe The Dragon]

Just reading the literature from MnDOT, looks like their version of EZPass may be the one to get for anyone looking pick one up. Only $25 for the unit and all models will (obviously) have an HOV Mode, no periodic fees etc...

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn/downloads/E-ZPass-MN-DigitalBro21.pdf

We might switch to the MN one once it's released if all of that is the case. My dad have probably paid at least $25 in monthly fees for Ohio's EZ Pass already, and the HOV option would be a nice to have on roads like I-77 Charlotte.

are we going to need an road user bill of right before some get's hit with an fine with HOV mode from an differnt state? setting HOV on = HOV 3+ in one place / HOV = 2 in an other and just HOV = ON in an 3rd. and in an 4 = FREE MODE not for public use?

Virginia has several managed lane corridors where HOV vehicles (usually HOV-3) get free passage if they have an E-ZPass Flex transponder in HOV mode.

[Mdcastle]

I guess I'm not understanding the issue. . E-ZPass is either always on or switchable on vs off. If you want to use HOT lanes you need a switchable one. There's a sign every half mile telling you who is allowed to use the lane.

[Mdcastle]

MnPass has been electronically compatible with the Texokansas block sense the switch from Telematics to Sego-6B a few years ago, but unlike E-ZPass there's few people here that are clambering for it.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Took a drive along 35W between Crosstown and 94 today and everything is starting to look in place. NB is now open to three lanes on its own carriageway from 46th to 94, the NB overpass at Lake St is open, and the new NB exit ramp to 28th St looks ready to open fairly soon. Still a lot of signs that have yet to be put in place on the mainline.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

The new 2021-22 state map finally dropped within the last few days. Nothing really new and exciting compared to the 2019-20.

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/statemap/

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Part of the currently paved section of MN 74  between Weaver and Elba will be converted to gravel; MnDOT says lack of funding is to blame (low traffic volumes are probably also a contributor)

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/08/15/minnesotas-last-stretch-of-unpaved-state-highway-will-get-a-little-longer?fbclid=IwAR2OoNUsWuml0HM31wKbAYqZzYFjkhzXynVvrPaRcxjGCpmld36N89nE7yY

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/news/2021/08/13-d6-hwy74.html

[TheHighwayMan3561]

A portion of MN 1 is closed due to a wildfire in rural Lake County, which has also closed part of Lake CSAH 2, so anyone looking to go from Ely to Grand Marais will have to go all the way around through Duluth.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

The new(ish) US 53 high bridge in Virginia was officially renamed the Tom Rukavina Memorial Bridge after the late powerful Iron Range state house representative (with lots of jokes from the assembled guests about the height of the bridge comparing to his own short stature).

https://www.wdio.com/news/bridge-dedication-tom-rukavina-ceremony-range/6211994/?cat=10335&fbclid=IwAR0qpXyiE-WDQXwHA-IgdMfWvrog1XoCM3Co99IPJFnu9WM7_AB3fdUVKlc

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Ugh, MnDOT joined the states running traffic death counters on VMS.

[Trademark]

Ugh, MnDOT joined the states running traffic death counters on VMS.

Why is this a bad thing?