Lawmakers hear request for $10 million to finish incomplete Highway 610 interchange

Representative Ray Rower presented House File 182, requesting $10,000,000 in trunk-highway bonds to complete a full interchange at Trunk Highway 610 and East River Road in the city identified in testimony as “**** Rapids.” The project is part of a longer-standing local request; the full interchange package is roughly $37.3 million, and the city had previously sought $23 million from the state. The city has collected other funding sources and now seeks the remaining $10 million to complete the financing.

Tim Hemmer, public works director for the city, said the east-west ramps at 610 are currently directional and incomplete, forcing local and emergency vehicles to take convoluted routes. “We're just trying to complete an existing interchange…not only does it improve access for the local community, local businesses, but also for the highway users themselves,” Hemmer said. He also said the project will add a grade-separated trail connection to the Mississippi regional trail system.

Concerned lawmakers asked whether the project was already on MnDOT’s priority list. Representative Olsen asked whether the district engineer had identified it; Hemmer said the district does not prioritize a full interchange and that several cities still want improved 610 access. Representative Ray Rower said the design was modified after public engagement and is widely approved locally. Hemmer said the project is at 60% design and could be shovel-ready by year-end with additional funding.

Outcome: The author renewed his motion and House File 182 was laid over for possible inclusion.

Why it matters: Testimony emphasized safety, emergency-response time and the freight impacts of the incomplete interchange. The city’s largest nearby industrial facility said completing the interchange would reduce travel time and local congestion tied to shipments and deliveries.