The high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on I-394 was converted to a high occupancy toll (HOT) lane in 2005 to allow single occupant vehicles to use the lane during peak periods by paying an electronic toll.

After more than three years of operations we know the I-394 MnPASS project is functioning well and achieving its planned objectives for performance and public satisfaction. 

Recognizing that this project could be a model value pricing project for the nation, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and the Metropolitan Council a grant to conduct Phase II planning to comprehensively examine the I-394 corridor.

The goal of I-394 Phase II planning project is to identify strategies which optimize the level of service in the corridor for transit, HOVs and optional toll-paying users.

Study elements in the Phase II plan include:

1. Accommodating two-way flow in the 3-mile reversible section;
2. Accommodation of all movements at the TH 100 interchange at all times;
3. Improved traffic flow through the Lowry Hill Tunnel;
4. Enhanced transit service and technology applications;
5. Collector-distributor improvements at interchanges;
6. Land-use and urban form enhancements;
7. Telecommuting; and,
8. Community involvement through outreach, education, communications and evaluation.

Community Design and Transit Advisory Committee
A local community advisory committee was assembled to guide the planning process.  Communities adjacent to the corridor were represented including Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Wayazata, Plymouth, and Hennepin County.  Major functions the committee served were to:

1. Raise transit to a higher level in the communities on the corridor
2. Identify community desires and aspirations
3. Meet, address, and listen to the public
4. Identify opportunities for connections and synergy
5. Oversee and contribute to the development of a corridor vision
6. Manage short and long term expectations, practical vs. long-term vision
7. Consider planning/design at regional, district and site levels
8. Energize the communities with regard to improving transit access and bike/trail connections
9. Results of this work will feed into the 2008 community comprehensive plan updates

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