I-94 Maple Grove to Rogers Design-Build Project

Hennepin County, Minnesota

Michael Baker provided design and construction services for the Interstate 94 (I-94) Maple Grove to Rogers Design-Build Project. This $127 million effort included repairs and improvements to 9.5 miles of I-94 spanning from the Interstate 494 and Interstate 694 interchange in Maple Grove to Minnesota State Highway 101 (MN 101) in Rogers. The project also included renovations to the Elm Creek Rest Area, the busiest rest area in Minnesota.

I-94 provides an essential link for freight between the Great Lakes and the western United States and Canada. The Maple Grove to Rogers section of the corridor has an average daily traffic of more than 75,000. Pavement in this segment of I‐94, originally constructed in 1973, was in poor condition and had reached the end of its functional life. This segment also was experiencing congestion and vehicle mobility problems. Additionally, many of the stormwater facilities in the corridor were in poor condition and did not meet current standards.

To rectify these issues, the project included 4.5 miles of lane additions on I-94 in both directions, 9.5 miles of unbonded concrete overlay, expanded truck parking at Elm Creek Rest Area, a new mini-roundabout intersection, construction of four noise walls, a new state-of-the-art traffic management system, new signing and overhead sign structures and seven new stormwater ponds with installation of various best management practices. Michael Baker’s innovative traffic maintenance plan ensured that all six lanes of traffic would remain open during construction.

The completed project allows for better commercial access for freight and business, improved safety, less vehicle congestion and a smoother road surface. The infrastructure is expected to help bring new business, manufacturing and retail to the area, which is growing with new housing developments.