Can of Worms Project Hits Speedbump

MNDOT was denied for a FASTLANE grant this year, but will reapply in 2017.

The multi-million dollar Can of Worms reconstruction project has hit a speed bump.

The $244 million dollar project was up for a FASTLANE grant, but ultimately was denied for 2016.

MNDOT said they need the grant or some other type of funding to begin construction.

MNDOT has been holding monthly public meetings to tell people what they can expect for the project moving forward.

News of the grant being denied means there is no current timetable for construction to begin.

However that isn’t stopping MNDOT from doing survey work and noise gathering analysis from area neighborhoods.

They will continue to ask anyone who uses the roadway for input on its reconstruction.

“We always like public input because that’s who our project’s impact, the public. Whether it be the traveling public or the shipper coming out of the port or the people who have homes or businesses adjacent to this. It is very critical we have their impact to make this the best possible project,” said Roberta Dwyer, Twin Ports Intersection project manager.

MNDOT said the project is necessary because the Can of Worms or Twin Ports intersection is near the end of its useful lifespan. Its bridges need constant inspection and maintenance.

MNDOT would like to assure the public this intersection is safe to use but that the reconstruction will make the area even safer.

MNDOT will compete for the FASTLANE grant in 2017. They will continue to hold monthly meetings for the foreseeable future. The next meeting is August 15th.