Accessing Minnesota Department of Transporation…The Process

Land is continually developed and redeveloped. Design and improvement decisions made during the development process can impact the adjacent transportation system and supporting infrastructure for decades. These impacts may relate to traffic, safety, utilities, the environment and even social considerations. Your government agencies have the responsibility to ensure that development impacts are addressed appropriately. Therefore, there are required permits along with review stipulations and possible traffic impact studies. Also, outside of the actual permit process there are reviews and communications that should voluntarily occur to ensure sound development and reasonable timelines.

State and Federal Agencies and local governments have a variety of ways that they are involved with development. The following pertains to potential Minnesota Department of Transporation (MnDOT) roles:

• Your City or County may have a land use/transportation plan that guides development. Mn/DOT provides input regarding highway access issues into these planning efforts.
• Your County or City may require a plat. State law provides for Mn/DOT review and comment within a 30-day time period. This may result in a change in proposed access location or a request for more information, such as traffic projections.
• State or Federal rules may require an environmental review process such as an Environmental Assessment Worksheet or an Environmental Impact Statement. Mn/DOT has input into these efforts with a 30-day review period.
• All work in State Highway right-of-way requires a district issued Mn/DOT permit. The permit may have design and improvement conditions. Also, significant work could require a Mn/DOT approved improvement project.

Funding of needed improvements can also be an issue. Mn/DOT generally does not fund improvement needs that are caused by private developments. In cases where there is documented benefit to the state highway system above accommodating the traffic generated by the development, Mn/DOT may consider participating financially.

In addition to Mn/DOT permits, there may be permits required by cities, counties and other state agencies. Review and setting the improvement and design needs of development takes time. For many developers, time is critical.

Contact us early
Mn/DOT, Mankato: 507-389-6351 or 800-657-3747
Mn/DOT Windom: 507-831-1200 or 800-804-3295