The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to invest $1.04bn on the construction of 246 new and existing road projects.

This year, the department aims to focus primarily on improving existing roads and bridges.

It is currently planning to invest a further $50m on the $640m St. Croix Crossing project.

The new bridge between Oak Park Heights and St. Joseph, Wisconsin will begin construction and is slated to be completed by next year.

"The department expects to face a shortfall in investment in 2018, which could reduce the funding of ongoing project by 45%."

Other existing multiyear road projects include Highway 100 in St. Louis Park with an investment of $40m; Interstate 35E in the east metro with a $38m investment; and I-694 in Little Canada and Arden Hills with a $17.5m investment.

The department will also commence new projects, such as the $9m bridge and interchange project on I-35W in Arden Hills and Mounds View, as well as an $8m Highway 8 improvement project from Shafer to Taylors Falls.

Beyond the Twin Cities, it plans to improve I-35 in Pine County with an investment of $35m, and Highway 210 in Jay Cooke State Park with a $15m investment.

The department expects to face a shortfall in investment in 2018, which could reduce the funding of ongoing project by 45%.

MDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle has urged lawmakers to act decisively in alloting a funding package in the 2016 session for long-term transportation.