Ramsey, MN — A major milestone has been achieved in the north-metro Twin Cities region: the U.S. Highway 10 “Ramsey Gateway” reconstruction project — a roughly $140 million investment — is now substantially complete, ending decades of traffic congestion, safety issues, and freight reliability challenges in Ramsey, Minnesota.
A Corridor in Need of Relief
For years, US 10 through Ramsey carried daily traffic volumes of 35,000–50,000 vehicles, projected to exceed 70,000 by 2045. Signalized intersections at Ramsey Boulevard (CSAH 56) and Sunfish Lake Boulevard (CSAH 57), frequent train crossings along the BNSF Railway, and numerous direct-access driveways caused significant congestion and delays. Previous studies documented long queues, delays exceeding two minutes per vehicle, and a high crash rate.
Project Scope & Key Improvements
The project was a collaboration between Anoka County, the City of Ramsey, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Key improvements include:
Two grade-separated interchanges: The Sunfish Lake Boulevard interchange opened in November 2024, followed by the Ramsey Boulevard interchange in September 2025, replacing the previous traffic signals.
Rail grade separation: Highway 10 was separated from the BNSF Railway at both interchanges, reducing long train-related delays along Minnesota’s busiest freight line.
New frontage road system: A frontage road between Sunfish Lake and Ramsey Boulevards removes multiple direct highway accesses, enhancing safety and separating local traffic from regional through-traffic.
Funding secured: The project was funded through federal, state, and local sources, including a $40 million INFRA federal grant, state bonding, and local contributions.
Ending Chronic Congestion & Improving Safety
The Ramsey Gateway project removes the last signalized intersections on the US 10/169 freeway-style corridor between the Twin Cities and Elk River, dramatically improving traffic flow, emergency response times, and regional freight movement.
Between 2013 and 2017, the project area recorded 277 crashes, 158 of them rear-end collisions at the signalized intersections. Eliminating these conflict points is expected to significantly improve safety for commuters and freight traffic.
Economic & Regional Impact
Beyond local commuter relief, the project strengthens regional transportation and freight efficiency. US 10 is a key corridor connecting Minneapolis–St. Paul with northern Minnesota and major tourism destinations. Officials expect that enhanced mobility and reliability will have long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and freight operators.
Final Phase & Closeout Activities
While the interchanges are fully operational, minor punch-list items, frontage-road tie-ins, landscaping, and signage will continue through late 2025. These finishing touches are part of project closeout and are not expected to disrupt traffic.
Looking Ahead
The Ramsey Gateway project serves as a cornerstone for broader mobility improvements along US 10 in the north-metro region. Residents, commuters, and businesses can expect safer, more reliable travel, reduced congestion, and improved access for freight traffic for decades to come.
For more information, maps, and project updates, visit the Anoka County Highway Department project page forHighway 10 Ramsey Gateway.
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