Yes, the summer of 2018 is a long ways off, but MnDOT is already planning its construction projects that year, including putting a new deck on St. Paul's High Bridge and upgrading Dodd Road/Hwy. 149 from St. Paul to West St. Paul and Mendota Heights.
On Tuesday, the agency will host an open house to allow the public to offer ideas on ways to improve biking, walking and driving along the corridor. The meeting and workshop will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Captial View Cafe, 637 Smith Avenue., St. Paul.
The proposed project would bring a one construction-season closure to the High Bridge over the Mississippi River while crews put a new deck on the bridge, resurface Smith Avenue and Dodd Road between W.7th Street and I-494, replace traffic signals at five intersections on Hwy. 149 and add an additional left turn lane from westbound I-494 to southbound Dodd Road.
The proposed project also includes improving drainage, sidewalks and pedestrian accessibility.
Another chance to offer ideas will be held in October in Mendota Heights. A date has not been set yet.
