Revolutionizing Health Care & Women’s Sports: The I-94 Transformation

TL/DR –

The article presents various reader opinions on the idea of replacing Interstate 94 between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul with a boulevard. One reader asserts the boulevard would be slow, filled with traffic lights and possibly increase exhaust pollution, while another argues it would significantly reduce the convenience of reaching various parts of the metro area and could double the transit time. However, one reader proposes that a new highway could be built along the rail line near Pierce Butler Route, which would not disturb residential neighborhoods and allow for development along the current I-94 trench.

Opinion Editor’s Note:

Star Tribune Opinion publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. To contribute, click here.

Interstate 94 Replacement

The idea of replacing Interstate 94 between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul with a boulevard is not only impractical but also could increase exhaust pollution owing to the traffic volume (New direction for I-94? April 4).

Midway neighborhood resident’s perspective

The proposal to convert a segment of I-94 to a boulevard could destroy the convenience of the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. This conversion could probably double the transit time between Minneapolis and St. Paul downtowns.

A win-win solution

Returning to the 1947 recommendation of St. Paul city engineer George Harrold that I-94 run along the rail line near Pierce Butler Route might be a win-win solution. This could provide an opportunity to finance the new highway by transforming the current I-94 trench into a boulevard and selling the state-owned land along that route.

Women’s Sports

Pat McKinzie Lechault’s commentary about the early days of women’s basketball (How women’s basketball became popular, Opinion Exchange, April 4) resonated with many women who were passionate about sports but had limited opportunities to play.

Prior Authorization

Dr. Lee Newcomer’s advice to the Legislature to abstain from the prior authorization issue (The case against legislation on prior authorization, Opinion Exchange, April 4) is debatable, considering his work history with UnitedHealthcare. Many believe there is a need for a universal health care program, with allocation of resources and pricing of therapies better handled by our Departments of Health than in corporate boardrooms.

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