Dozens of people turned out Thursday night for the final open house for the Highway 610 and East River Road interchange project.
The City is still waiting for MnDOT approval for the layout, which proposes a "NE loop" as the off-ramp from westbound 610 to East River Road. An on-ramp from East River Road to eastbound 610 would also be constructed to complete the interchange.
"This is the design we are moving forward with so if it falls into place that MnDOT agrees, then we are just soley waiting for construction dollars," said Public Works Director Tim Himmer.
The project is estimated to cost between $30-35 million. If the necessary funding is secured, the earliest construction could start is 2024 but more likely 2025 or 2026. Six, single-family homes and one business would need to be acquired to construct the interchange.
In addition to improved access, City officials say the project would help support economic growth in the industrial park, improve safety and help first responders heading to emergency calls on the highway.