Minnesota unveils transportation investment initiatives

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Minnesota state officials said the recently released State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and Capital Highway Investment Plan (CHIP) outline state transportation investments for the next four to 10 years.

“Minnesota’s 12,000-mile state highway system plays an essential role in supporting the state’s economy and quality of life,” Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher said, regarding the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) effort. “Constructing, operating, and maintaining this system efficiently requires extensive and ongoing planning. We don’t do it alone. All of our transportation plans are developed and continuously updated through strong partnerships with local planning organizations and other partners, as well as with input from diverse and engaged communities throughout the state.”

The Federal Highway Administration recently approved the STIP. It will serve as the state’s committed construction program for the next four years, representing an investment of more than $8.6 billion in federal, state, and local funds.

The CHIP provides an in-depth view of state highway network planned investments during the next decade, including more than 6,000 centerline miles of pavement work and over 400 bridges repaired or replaced.

The guide includes other investments designed to improve safety and mobility, improve freight movement, support bicycling and walking, and make the system safer and more accessible for those with disabilities.

The first four years of the CHIP represent state highway projects in the current STIP, while the next six years identify the agency’s planned investments.