The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in the US has awarded $417m to four road projects as part of the Corridors of Commerce programme.

These four projects are expected to enhance transportation system in the state, as well as support its economy.

MnDOT commissioner Charlie Zelle said: “Since 2013, the Corridors of Commerce programme has funded projects that are important to the health of our transportation system and business climate, but not afforded in our four-year transportation investment plan.

“The selected projects will enhance the movement of freight and people in the regions where these projects are located, which will aid the economy and reduce congestion.”

The four projects to receive the Corridors of Commerce funding are Highway 169 in Elk River (Greater Minnesota); Highway 494, France Avenue to Highway 77 (Metro District); Highway 494, Bush Lake Road to Interstate 35W (Metro District); and Highway 94, St. Michael to Albertville (Greater Minnesota).

“The selected projects will enhance the movement of freight and people in the regions where these projects are located, which will aid the economy and reduce congestion.”

With funding of nearly $157m, the Highway 169 in Elk River will be converted into a freeway. The proposed project involves construction of interchanges at Main Street and School Street, 193rd Avenue and a partial interchange at 197th Avenue.

The Highway 494, France Avenue to Highway 77 (Metro District) project involves building a MnPASS lane on Interstate 494 from France Avenue to Highway 77 towards east and a MnPASS lane from Highway 77 to I-35W towards west. The project will receive nearly $134m of funding.

The Bush Lake Road to Interstate 35W (Metro District) project on Highway 494 will be awarded around $70m for the construction of the first phase of a turbine interchange, including a directional ramp for northbound I-35W to westbound I-494 traffic.

Nearly $56m will be provided for the Highway 94, St. Michael to Albertville (Greater Minnesota) project to expand I-94 from four to six lanes from Highway 241 in St. Michael to County Road 19 in Albertville.

All four projects are expected to begin in the next four years.