MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 6/1/2018 —Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis has a simple message for its patients: We are ready for this summer’s highway construction season, no matter how annoying it gets.
Allina Health, owner of the Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Phillips Eye Institute and headquartered in the Phillips neighborhood, has been planning with officials from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and other local governments to ensure patients will be able to get to the Abbott Northwestern campus during Interstate 35W project work.
“Minnesotans are used to the inconveniences of highway construction season, and the 35W project is an important project to upgrade this transportation corridor,” explained Tony LaCroix-Dalluhn, Vice President of Operations at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. “This construction project will be more disruptive than most, but with a little planning, patients will be able to get to the hospital and clinics for the care they need.”
As part of the four-year upgrade of the interstate between downtown Minneapolis and the Crosstown Highway, some bridges, lanes and exits will be closed in south Minneapolis this summer. Access to the Abbott Northwestern Campus will still be available from a number of major roads, such as Lake Street from the east or west, and Hiawatha, Chicago and Cedar Avenues from the north and south. However, there will be a limited number of exits available from Interstate 35W.
“Especially during peak traffic periods, we suggest patients allow for extra time, and have an alternative route in mind,” said LaCroix-Dalluhn. “If a patient is late, they can call us while in traffic or just arrive as soon as possible – we will take care of their health needs.”
Allina Health has been preparing for this construction project for the past eight months. MnDOT planners have designed a construction schedule that keeps full access to the health campus for emergency vehicles. Internally, Allina Health has adjusted work schedules and made other operational changes to reduce unnecessary employee traffic during high volume periods.
Patients should keep these tips in mind when making their next visit:
• If possible, schedule appointments for off-peak travel hours, such as late morning and early afternoon.
• Plan a main route and an alternative route.
• Leave earlier than normal to ensure adequate time for your trip.
Regular updates on the Interstate 35W project can be found online at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/35w94/.
Abbott Northwestern Hospital has been a health care provider and innovator in Minneapolis for more than 130 years. Part of Allina Health, Abbott Northwestern has retained its first place ranking for the best hospital in the Twin Cities and second in the State of Minnesota for eight consecutive years in the U.S. News & World Report's 2020-21 best hospital rankings. In addition, Abbott Northwestern has received nursing magnet certification, a recognition earned by only five percent of hospitals nationwide.
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A not-for-profit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 10 hospitals / 13 campuses, 15 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services.