Rethinking I-94 public comment period open through March 9 on scoping documents
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public input on two environmental documents: the Scoping Document and Draft Scoping Decision Document (SD/DSDD) and Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for Rethinking I-94.
The comment period opened Jan. 6 and will run for 60 days, concluding March 9. To promote the comment period, the Rethinking I-94 project team is hosting a series of public meetings, both in-person and virtual.
Media and the public can attend a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration is required for the virtual meeting and can be submitted on the project website.
As a third option, MnDOT is adding another in-person meeting to receive comments on the EAW on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. The meeting will be at the Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway N, St. Paul, Mn 55104 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. This follows a Jan. 29 in-person meeting in St. Paul.
Comments can be made on the project website; by email; voicemail; and by mail. Find detailed instructions.
Project background
The SD/DSDD is being conducted under a joint state and federal process and summarizes the purpose and need for the project, identifies public engagement activities, describes alternatives studied in scoping, identifies alternatives that will be further evaluated in the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and identifies social, economic, and environmental issues that will be evaluated in the Tier 1 EIS. The EAW is being conducted under a Minnesota state process. Like the SD/DSDD it summarizes the purpose and need for the project, describes the alternatives studied in scoping and identifies the alternatives that will be further evaluated in the Tier 1 EIS. It also includes information on the social, economic, and environmental issues that will be studied according to state law. The Tier 1 EIS is the next step in Rethinking I-94. It is expected to begin later in 2026.
MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are providing notice of the Scoping Document/Scoping Decision Document and Environmental Assessment Worksheet for improvements on a 7.5-mile length of I-94 between the I-35W and Hwy 55 interchange in Minneapolis and Marion Street in St. Paul. Projects within the Rethinking I-94 program will accomplish the following:
- Improve mobility for people and goods on, along, and across the corridor in a way that facilitates community connections for all modes
- Enhance safety for people and goods on, along, and across the I-94 corridor for all modes
- Address aging infrastructure condition within the I-94 corridor
- Support transportation objectives consistent with adopted state and regional (Met Council) plans
The Tier 1 EIS, which begins after scoping is completed, will analyze the program area on a broad scale and identify a preferred design for the I-94 mainline and will identify alternatives where access changes are proposed. Potential impacts will be identified around these locations. A program of construction projects will be identified for future environmental documents.
The SD/DSDD and EAW can be viewed on the project website. Hard copies of the document and printed comment forms will be available during business hours at the following locations:
- MnDOT Central Office, Library – Room 175: 395 John Ireland Boulevard, St. Paul, MN
- MnDOT Metro District: 1500 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN
- Minneapolis City Hall: 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN
- St. Paul City Hall: 15 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN
- Minneapolis Central Library: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN
For more information about Rethinking I-94 and to sign up for email updates, visit the project website.
MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL or foreign language interpreter, documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print), or other reasonable accommodations, please email ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720.
###