I-94 West – 7th Street Ramp Reconstruction

Enhancing Downtown Minneapolis Access

The I-94 westbound off-ramp to 7th Street in downtown Minneapolis serves as a critical connection between the MnDOT freeway system and the city’s downtown street network. The project involved reconstructing the off-ramp from 5th Street to 7th Street and integrating it with the existing TH 55 (Hiawatha Avenue) off-ramp to enhance traffic flow, safety, and multimodal connectivity.

SRF played a key role in project scoping, environmental documentation, and final design under a tight schedule to meet federal funding deadlines. Coordination with multiple agencies, including MnDOT, the City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit, and FHWA, was essential to the project’s success. Key stakeholders such as Bethany Church, Hennepin County Medical Center, and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Authority were engaged throughout the process, with SRF facilitating Technical Advisory Committee meetings and public engagement efforts to ensure project goals aligned with community needs.

The design process involved developing and analyzing multiple ramp connection alternatives to assess their impact on traffic operations, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Environmental documentation, including a Categorical Exclusion and noise analysis, was completed to comply with regulatory requirements. The final design included a seven-span, 880-foot-long bridge, upgraded traffic signal systems, stormwater treatment facilities, and local utility relocations. One of the major design challenges involved an existing duct bank that conflicted with the proposed bridge abutments and piers. SRF led utility coordination meetings to develop a relocation plan that minimized impacts and ensured long-term infrastructure reliability.

With an accelerated schedule, final design efforts proceeded before layout approval to keep the project on track. SRF prepared the Transportation Management Plan (TMP) and developed traffic signal designs, pavement markings, and detour plans. The project required carefully planned detours for I-35W, TH 55, and major ramps to accommodate the safe installation of bridge beams.

The reconstructed I-94 westbound ramp improves access to downtown Minneapolis, streamlining traffic movement and enhancing multimodal connectivity. SRF’s contributions in transportation planning, environmental review, and engineering design ensured that the project advanced efficiently while meeting all funding and regulatory requirements.

Resource links:
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
City of Minneapolis Public Works
Metro Transit
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

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Minneapolis, MN