MnDOT seeks public opinion on I-35E toll lanes

The Minnesota Department of Transportation asks for public feedback on a plan to add MNPass lanes to Interstate 35E.

The proposal would add dedicated carpool lanes between Pennsylvania Avenue and Little Canada Road. Drivers alone in a car could use the lanes with a MnPass transponder to automatically deduct tolls fees from an electronic account. MnDOT says solo drivers could end up paying $1.25, on average.

The legislature still has to approve funding for the MnPass project, at a cost of a bout $82 million, said MnDOT spokesman Kent Barnard.

"I don't honestly know what people's opposition would be to the MnPASS lanes," he said. "Some of it might be just why are we spending more money. But I think overall, part of it is people aren't real aware of what they are and what they do and the benefits to them. And that's the reason we want to get these meetings going."

Implementing MnPASS on I-35E will require construction, but Barnard says resurfacing and bridge work is already necessary on that section of road.