Why 4-Lanes on Highway 23?
There is no 4-lane direct route from the Northeast corner of Minnesota to the Southwest corner of Minnesota. The current transportation system from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin will change and establish this direct route from Minnesota corner to corner.
4-Lanes for You
Time saving route across Minnesota
Currently the only way to get from Duluth, Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota is to travel through the Metro utilizing 35-W North and South and traveling east and west on I-90 for a grand total of 333 miles of distance. However, once Highway 23 becomes a 4-lane road, that number would decrease to 279 miles.
Decrease traffic congestion
in Minneapolis/St. Paul
Due to the lack of 4-lane transportation from the northeast corner to the southwest corner of Minnesota, many individuals seek faster routes that involve traveling through Minneapolis and St. Paul. A 4-Lane Highway 23 would alleviate this need for those traveling from the cities on the corridor.
Foster economic development
Research has shown that expanding the Highway 23 corridor to a 4-lane transportation system will boost economic growth locally, regionally and statewide. The increased economic efficiencies throughout the corridor will also reduce transportation costs, providing businesses and workers a direct route from the southwest to the northeast corner of Minnesota.
Create accessible, safe, and reliable transportation
In this six-county region alone, more than 1,138 transportation-related businesses with 30,000 employees will directly benefit from the 4-lane Highway 23 expansion. Opportunity for community growth could include higher population and tourism. With a direct 4-lane route throughout Highway 23, people will be encouraged to visit new places on the corridor.