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The public is invited to attend an in-person meeting on April 16 to learn more about a study that is looking at how to best improve safety, address aging bridges and provide a smoother, more effective travel experience for all who use the Interstate 35/Interstate 90 interchange, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

People are welcome anytime from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. that day at Albert Lea City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. People attending the meeting can learn more about the study and provide input to the project team. There is not a formal presentation planned. Individuals unable to attend are encouraged to learn about the project through the project website and provide their observations and feedback through a comment map.

Funding at this time is only available to replace the two I-90 bridges over I-35 and make some ramp improvements in 2030, but MnDOT is investigating if additional improvements are needed, and how that work could occur. Potential concerns include:

• Conflicts with traffic entering and exiting at the I-35/I-90 interchange and between U.S. Highway 65 and I-90.
• Rollovers and run off the road crashes on the I-35/I-90 interchange ramps.
• Crashes on Main Street at the I-35 ramp intersections.
• Truck acceleration on the I-35 northbound on-ramp from Main Street.
• Condition of other bridges and drainage structures.
• Blowing and drifting snow.

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL, foreign language interpreter or other reasonable accommodation, or need documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print), please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).