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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Highway 252 Freeway Proposal Enters Public Review, Bringing New Decisions for Brooklyn Park and Neighboring Communities
MnDOT’s newly released draft environmental review opens a comment period through December 22, with construction tentatively projected to begin in 2029.
BROOKLYN PARK, MN (October 24, 2026). A proposed transformation of Highway 252 has reached a consequential public-review stage, giving residents of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis an opportunity to respond before transportation officials complete their environmental decision-making.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation released its draft environmental impact statements October 23. Comments are being accepted through December 22.
MnDOT’s preferred alternative would replace Highway 252’s traffic-signal system between Highway 610 and Interstate 694 with a freeway configuration. Proposed interchanges would be located at 85th Avenue, Brookdale Drive and 66th Avenue.
The plan also includes a crossing at 73rd Avenue and additional pedestrian and bicycle bridges. MnDOT projects a 41% reduction in overall crashes compared with the no-build alternative, including a 25% reduction in serious and fatal crashes. Those figures are modeled benefits, not results already achieved.
A Decision About Neighborhood Connections
The environmental review covers more than movement along the highway. Its stated objectives include reliable transit, safer crossings, equitable outcomes and limiting property acquisition.
For nearby residents, the locations of crossings and interchanges determine how local trips connect across the corridor. The project also examines noise, air quality and effects on surrounding communities.
The current preferred approach would leave the number and types of lanes on I-94 unchanged between I-694 and North Fourth Street in Minneapolis.
MnDOT’s published schedule anticipates final environmental work and construction-plan development during 2027–2029, with construction estimated to begin in 2029. The agency identifies those dates as approximate and lists the overall project cost as undetermined.
Property Impacts Remain Part of the Review
Earlier project analysis identified nine potential property relocations under the recommended access combination, consisting of six residential and three commercial properties.
Those are planning estimates. They should not be interpreted as completed purchases or final acquisition notices. Property owners can consult MnDOT’s impact information and request a discussion about their individual circumstances.
How to Participate
MnDOT’s release lists public hearings November 10 in Brooklyn Park, November 12 in Brooklyn Center and November 19 in Minneapolis, followed by a virtual open house December 8. Residents should check the project website for confirmed locations and times.
Questions and comments can be directed to Highway252andI94.DOT@state.mn.us or 952-944-5555.
For interpreters or alternative-format documents, contact ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or 651-366-4720. Other accommodation requests can be directed to Accessibility.DOT@state.mn.us or 1-833-400-8432. Relay service is available through 711.
The Highway 252/I-94 project website provides the draft documents, project background and participation information.
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