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WILLMAR — One year after Minnesota recorded its highest number of traffic fatalities in over a decade, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has released a draft of its plan on how the state can improve its transportation systems in the next 20 years.
MnDOT is looking for public input on the 2022-2041 Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan. It will host a public hearing from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at its Central Office in St. Paul and simultaneously at its seven district office locations in Greater Minnesota, including the District 8 office at 2505 Transportation Rd. in Willmar, to gather input.
The plan is also available online for review and comment.
According to MnDOT, road safety is one of several focus areas addressed in the plan. The state recorded 488 traffic fatalities in 2021, up 24% from 394 deaths in 2020.
Other challenges the plan addresses include the aging road system, inequities in transportation opportunities, economic development needs and addressing climate change.
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The plan takes an overall look at transportation — from air, rail and freight transportation to passenger vehicle and bicycle and pedestrian systems.
The plan makes note of many challenges. While the number of road miles rated as "poor" has decreased, the percentage of roads rated as "good" is not increasing to meet future needs. The state is not meeting its goals for bridge improvements.
Greater Minnesota has seen a 50% decrease in public transit rides due to the pandemic.
Minnesotans can review the draft plan and submit comments online at MinnesotaGO.org or through the project email at stateplans.dot@state.mn.us .
Written comments will be accepted through Sept. 18, 2022 online at MinnesotaGO.org , via email at stateplans.dot@state.mn.us or sent to: Hally Turner, Minnesota Department of Transportation, 395 John Ireland Blvd, Mail Stop 440, St. Paul, MN 5515.
