The Gateway Corridor extends approximately 20 miles from the Union Depot in downtown St. Paul to the St Croix River with connections to the west to Minneapolis and to the east into Wisconsin. The corridor is home to many employers (including 3M, one of Minnesota’s largest employers), educational institutions, and other commercial and retail businesses.
More than 300,000 people live along the corridor and more than 90,000 vehicles cross the St. Croix River Bridge each day. By the time commuters reach downtown St. Paul, the number of vehicles increases to 150,000. These current traffic levels on Interstate 94 exceed the interstate’s capacity. By 2030, the corridor’s population is expected to grow by nearly 30 percent. In addition to the population growth, more than 30,000 jobs are expected to be added to the corridor - adding more commuters to an already congested corridor. With no planned major highway improvements in the corridor, transit will play a major role in moving people through the area and promoting economic vitality.
In May 2009, the Gateway Corridor Commission was created. The Commission is a joint powers board of elected officials from Ramsey and Washington County Regional Railroad Authorities, St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale, Woodbury, Lake Elmo, West Lakeland Township, Afton, and Lakeland. In addition to these members, ex-officio members include Baytown Township, the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, and the Oakdale Business and Professional Association. The Commission meetings are usually held on the second Thursday of the month at the Woodbury City Hall starting at 3:30 p.m.
The Gateway Corridor website at http://www.thegatewaycorridor.com is the primary source for project background information, the latest news about the corridor and announcements for upcoming meetings and events.
