Report to the Legislative Commission on Highways Concerning Development of the Interstate Highway System in the Twin City Metropolitan Area

This report, covering the history of Interstate Highway Route development in the Twin City area for presentation to the Legislative Commission on Highways in Minnesota, was compiled from information, reports, and records on file within the Department which pertained to the network in general, with specific reference to that portion of the Freeway System in the central core area of Minneapolis, the University district, Como district, Prospect Park district, Merriam Park district, and Beltrami Park district. The location of the Interstate Highway through sections of the above districts has been questioned by various groups representing residents of those areas.

This report outlines the many and varied studies made by the Department of Highways and its consulting engineers in close liaison with city and county engineers and planners, and other interested groups .

The studies began with designation of a Strategic Highway System in 1941; subsequent planning for an interregional system and an expressway system; culminating in the present Freeway System as proposed by this Department, and officially approved by the governing bodies of the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the Bureau of Public Roads;