ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — When it comes to Minnesota roads, potholes are front and center right now.
But some experts say the state's entire infrastructure is crumbling and is severely underfunded. In fact, last year, the American Society of Civil Engineers graded just the state's roads a D+.
But now, a new influx of federal funding is giving more projects than ever the green light to start construction.
Called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it's the largest long-term investment ever and provides $550 billion over fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to fix roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure and broadband.
In Anoka County, engineer Joe MacPherson calls Highway 65 one of the most troublesome stretches in the metro, full of back-ups and long wait times.
"I would say very dangerous and frustrating," said MacPherson. "Ultimately, at the end of the day, we want to make sure we have a safe corridor."
The intersection at 109th is particularly dangerous. It's where a semi-truck blew a red light last summer and killed the driver of an SUV.
MacPherson says the plan to overhaul and fix just that area costs $89 million, but the county has since received about $15 million from Biden's infrastructure law.
"It is a big deal," said MacPherson. "It gives us an opportunity to go after these types of projects and so, it's a catalyst to bring in other funding."
The project would raise Highway 65 to go over the intersection at 109th, adding a roundabout underneath to control traffic coming on and off the ramps.
It's all part of a larger plan to eventually upgrade the entire highway that MacPherson says hasn't seen improvements for decades despite the booming growth in surrounding cities. The entire overhaul of Highway 65 costs about $163 million.
In all, Minnesota will receive $45 million in federal money. It will fund 33 more projects than expected throughout the state that'll now get the go-ahead to start construction in the next four years. It includes safety improvements at hundreds of intersections, as well, including 109th.
"There are so many needs throughout the state, no matter what community you go to, any money coming in is going to be well spent," said MacPherson.
Anoka County still has to secure another $75 million before it can start construction at 109th. MacPherson hopes construction will start in 2026.
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