VPP Projects Involving Tolls
Category: Priced Lanes
Sub-Category: High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes

Project - MINNESOTA: HOT Lanes on I-394 in Minneapolis

Minnesota implemented I-394 MnPASS which converted the existing high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane into the state's first high occupancy toll (HOT) lane. The lanes, which are dynamically priced, remain free to HOVs and motorcyclists during peak hours, and are free to all users in off-peak periods. The first phase of the project opened in May 2005.

The I-394 MnPass project has been the culmination of years of research and planning aimed toward the implementation of a value pricing demonstration project in Minnesota. Guiding this process was the I-394 Community Task Force, made up of local elected officials, citizens and community leaders. A comprehensive evaluation plan has been developed and is being implemented to thoroughly understand conditions and public attitudes before and during project operations. Preliminary performance data for I-394 MnPASS for the two years of operation indicates the following:

Toll trips per week (avg.): 24,468 (April, 2011)

Revenue per week (avg.): $31,447

Toll per trip (avg.): $1.29

Operational Status

January - March 2011 Update

Phase II planning for I-394 MnPASS is complete and a final draft report can be viewed at http://www.mnpass.org/phase2.html. Planning included facility design concepts, land use and urban design analysis, transit advantages, telecommuting, and outreach and education. The planning team conducted analysis of park-and-ride facility utilization and an assessment of future service needs. SRF Consulting conducted a preliminary design and engineering analysis for lane and interchange improvements in the corridor. Ultimate design options were completed and cost estimates developed. The Center for Changing Landscapes at the University of Minnesota completed the community land use and urban design analysis, working closely with the communities in the corridor to develop a vision for transit compatible land use. URS completed an evaluation of transit service characteristics in the corridor and conceptual development of on-line station options. An alternative frontage road concept was developed which will enhance off-peak service in the corridor. The corridor advisory committee and several technical committees were managed by the Humphrey Institute and met regularly to help guide the design, land use and transit advantages work. The Humphrey Institute also developed a telecommuting plan for the corridor. A series of presentations on the final study report were made to city councils in the corridor and feedback and comments were solicited. Work on this project is now complete. MnDOT continues to do refinement of recommendations and is considering options for implementation.

For More Information Contact

Kenneth R. Buckeye
Program Manager Value Pricing
Phone: (651) 366-3737
E-mail: kenneth.buckeye@dot.state.mn.us

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