“It is just an amazing day for the City of Blaine,” said Mayor Tim Sanders. “To have this realization, that this road will get the safety upgrades that it so needs, that it so deserves.”
This funding will remove the stoplights on Highway 65 from 99th to 117th Avenues. The funding, totaling nearly 200 million, will ensure the road meets the needs of a growing region.
“5.8 million Minnesotans will benefit from this,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This is a major artery. It’s a major part of this. When we talk about Minnesota having a diverse economy, we have the fifth most diverse economy in the country. These types of infrastructure investments make a huge difference.”
“We’re so happy that we’re at this point,” said Anoka County Commissioner Julie Braastad. “Basically 195 million in a few years – that’s pretty unheard of. Everyone knows how bad Highway 65 is and how much it’s needed.”
Local officials have expressed gratitude for the state’s commitment to addressing the long standing issues on Highway 65. Mayor Tim Sanders emphasized the positive impact that these improvements will have on public safety.
“The main thing that we have talked about over the last couple of years is how this is a safety issue. It’s a life safety issue. It’s a daily life safety issue for the 50,000 plus motor vehicles that go up and down this road,” said Mayor Sanders.
Highway 65 sees as many cars per day as I-35W through Blaine. These upcoming road improvements should dramatically improve commute times for those on 65, and for those simply trying to cross the highway.
“Just getting to Target, back and forth to target. It becomes a chore, it’s a challenge. It disrupts every part of life in this part of our state,” said State Representative Matt Norris (District 32 – Blaine.)
Construction will likely begin in 2025 and run through 2029.
“We know once construction starts, it might be a little bit more difficult, but let’s keep our eye on the prize,” said Commissioner Braastad.
“There is that time with a lot of orange cones and a lot of folks on the street that people gripe about. That day will come, but it’s the other side of that day that we’re all looking forward to,” said Governor Walz.
