Addressing the pressing safety concerns of a growing Washington County, Minnesota, Senator Tou Xiong championed an initiative for a new grade-separated interchange at the heavily trafficked juncture of trunk highways 36 and 120. Xiong presented Senate File 959 to the Senate Transportation Committee, as reported by the Senate DFL press release, which requires a $3 million allocation for design work slated for fiscal year 2025.
Ever since the completion of the St Croix River Crossing Bridge, traffic has spiked significantly, over 20% according to the statement acquired by the Senate DFL. A corresponding population jump has further strained the roadways, making the need for infrastructure upgrades more acute. In a revealing statistic, the intersection logs an unsettling average of 25 crashes annually—a figure that includes both grave injuries and fatalities and ranks it with the fourth-highest crash cost within Minnesota.
Senator Xiong called attention to the critical state of affairs, emphasizing the area’s transformation and the resulting urgency: "This interchange is proven to be extremely dangerous for our communities," he told the Senate Transportation Committee. "As the population grows and more Wisconsin commuters travel to Minnesota for work and recreation, we must ensure the safety of everyone on the roads, and we must get this project moving." His remarks underscore the imminent risk and the call for action.
In a show of regional solidarity, the proposed bill has garnered support from neighboring Ramsey and Washington counties, cementing its importance across jurisdictional lines. Laid over for potential inclusion in a committee omnibus bill, the legislation prompts a broader conversation on infrastructure and public safety amidst an evolving transportation landscape. Video footage of the bill presentation can be viewed through the Senate DFL's website, providing an opportunity for constituents to better understand the legislative process and its implications for their daily lives.
