St. Paul, MN - Governor Tim Walz April 12, 2024 announced that Minnesota secured $16 million in federal funding to improve safety on Highway 11 near Loman and I-94 between Moorhead and Alexandria. The funding comes from President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“This funding will help us address critical repair and maintenance needs on our highways and improve safety for all Minnesotans who rely on them,” said Governor Walz. “Once again, President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is delivering for Minnesotans and improving our infrastructure.”

“Today’s announcement is great news for all Minnesotans. The federal funds will assist us in continuing with our goal of finding innovative ways to improve safety for all Minnesotans,” said Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “Recognizing the impact climate change has on transportation infrastructure is critical to address current and future resiliency needs.”

MnDOT will receive $2.5 million to address two critical slope failures that threaten to close portions of Highway 11 along the Rainy River, which is a critical regional lifeline. Without this project, MnDOT would have needed to close the road to all vehicles, including emergency services, resulting in a 126-mile detour.

MnDOT will also receive $13.7 million to install 24 snow fences along I-94 from Moorhead to Alexandria. This snow fence program is an innovative adaptation to Minnesota’s winter weather, with the snow fences stopping much of the snow from blowing on to the roadway. The project will mitigate the worst snow traps along the I-94 corridor, improving safety, reducing wintertime maintenance needs, and improving reliability of the heavily traveled and economically vital corridor.

The grants come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation PROTECT) program, which is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Additional information can be found on the Federal Highway Administration’s website