Since Minnesotans' confidence in their transportation infrastructure collapsed with the Interstate 35W bridge in 2007, state leaders have poured billions into transportation projects.
A transportation timeline
January 4, 2015 at 1:13AM
Aug. 1, 2007 The 40-year-old I-35W bridge in Minneapolis collapses during rush hour, killing 13 and injuring 145. The disaster prompts a national discussion about the quality of bridges and roads.
February 2008 The Legislature raises the state gas tax to 28.5 cents per gallon, the first increase in 20 years, and allows Twin Cities metro counties to levy a quarter-cent sales tax for transit projects. Lawmakers approve $1.8 billion in bonds for infrastructure.
September 2008 The $234 million I-35W replacement bridge opens.
June 2008 MnDOT announces $2.5 billion plan to replace or rehabilitate 120 bridges within 10 years.
November 2009 The $317 million Northstar commuter rail line opens, connecting Minneapolis to Big Lake.
2010 The $288 million rebuild of the I-35W and Crosstown Hwy. 62 is completed.
Late 2012 $125 million makeover of the I-494 and Hwy. 169 interchange in Eden Prairie is completed.
Spring 2013 Construction begins on the St. Croix Crossing bridge, scheduled to open in 2016.
June 2013 The $112 million bus rapid transit Red Line opens, connecting Mall of America and Apple Valley.
June 2014 The $1 billion Green Line light rail opens, linking downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.
January 2015 After a two-year tour of the state, MnDOT Commissioner Charles Zelle takes Gov. Mark Dayton's plan for $6 billion more in transportation funding to the state Legislature.
Source: MnDOT, Metropolitan Council, Star Tribune research
about the writer
These Minnesotans are poised to play prominent roles in state and national politics in the coming years.
