Decades in the Making: Highway 610 Corridor Completed, Boosting Connectivity in North Metro

MAPLE GROVE, MN — After more than 50 years of planning and construction, the Highway 610 corridor project officially reached completion this week. Local, state, and federal leaders gathered Monday in Maple Grove to mark the opening of the final $58.3 million segment—a milestone first conceived in the 1970s.

The completed corridor now forms a 12-mile route connecting north metro communities, stretching from Interstate 94 in Maple Grove to Interstate 35W in Mounds View. The new segment links Highway 610 with I-94 and realigns County Road 30, improving regional mobility and access.

“Moments like this are what public service is all about, when we see a plan come together to serve our communities,” said Judy Johnson, a member of the Metropolitan Council, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Economic and Public Safety Benefits

The final phase, located just off 101st Avenue, sits between Maple Grove Hospital and newly developed commercial areas. Leaders highlighted the immediate benefits of the new connector, including reduced travel times, improved freight movement, and expanded economic opportunities.

“This segment will help grow jobs and significantly reduce traffic congestion,” said Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson.

State Rep. Kristin Bahner, DFL-Maple Grove, emphasized the broader significance: “The point is not the road. Although we really, really like the road. The point is what it represents—the real mission of what we’re here for today, which is to talk about thriving communities and how we make that happen.”

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, speaking by phone, added: “It means fewer detours and shorter drives, less time in traffic, more time at home. For Maple Grove Hospital and the expanding health campus along 94 and 610, it means quicker routes for patients and ambulances. For workers and local businesses, it means moving more freight efficiently. And of course, it means economic opportunity for this incredible region in our state.”

Bipartisan Funding and Commemoration

The decades-long project required sustained bipartisan support and funding across federal, state, county, and local levels. The final construction phase drew from multiple sources: $15.4 million from MnDOT, $13 million in state LRIP funds, $10.9 million from the City of Maple Grove, $4.2 million from Hennepin County, $7 million in federal regional solicitation funds, $5 million from MnDOT TED funding, and a $2.8 million Community Project grant from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Monday’s celebration also included a moment of remembrance for Adam Smith, a worker who tragically died during construction.

Officials say the new segment is expected to open fully to traffic by Thursday, Nov. 13, marking the culmination of a half-century-long vision to enhance connectivity, safety, and economic opportunity across the north metro region.

MinneapoliMedia