“We believe that Blaine is the gateway to the north, and so we are excited for this investment here in the north metro,” said Blaine Mayor Tim Sanders.
Since construction began in March of 2019, crews laid down 135 lane miles of new pavement, built 8 new bridges, and added 16 miles MnPASS lanes, which will soon become EZPass lanes.
“Our current express lanes in Minnesota have served us very well, and this added ability to seamlessly use you new EZPass tag in other state will add a lot of value for folks,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher.
EZPass is a shared toll road system that is used in 19 states, including Illinois.
“We are so grateful for this investment from MnDOT here in the city of Blaine and the north metro now makes is easier than ever with EZPass to get to and through Blaine Minnesota,” said Sanders.
But even if you don’t plan on using the new EZPass lanes, MnDOT officials say that the new road should be a big improvement for everyone.
“To everyone who travels 35W anywhere between Roseville and Lino Lakes, when the last cone and barrel are removed next month, you will have smoother lanes, safer ramps, more predictable travels times, and we say to you ‘welcome to your new road,’” said MnDOT Metro Deputy District Engineer Sheila Kauppi.
For now, all existing MnPASS tags will continue to work in Minnesota, but anyone who wants to use the EZPass system in a different state will have to get a new EZ Pass transponder.
