Commute from Bloomington to the Capital Grounds/ St. Paul (Minneapolis: schools, mall)

[Piglet99645]

How long is this in the real world? Is that a stretch of 494 that is nightmarish?

Google maps says 16 miles, 20+ minutes. Realistic?

I currently commute 38 miles, 40-60 minutes each way........ so 20 minutes doesn't sound so bad if it's really 20 minutes.

[Cleverbeetle98]

If you're on the east side of 35W, that drive should pretty much be a breeze. You'll probably slow up as you get closer to DT St. Paul on 35E. That part of 494 is easy.

With no traffic, it's about a 15 min drive.

[ferr0052]

I agree with the last post. 494 is ALWAYS bad going west...it's bad going east from 169 to france and/or 35W in the evening..otherwise its normally really clear.

I haven't commuted to DT St. Paul..however, as you get closer to DT the posted speed limit goes down to 30 or 35 and becomes almost like a parkway..so I think even with congested traffic the google maps 20 minutes sounds reasonable.

[golfgal]

From the Mall of America to the Capital, yes 20 minutes is very realistic, from Penn and 494 it will depend on the day and time. Bloomington is pretty spread out so times can really vary.

If you are looking at Bloomington to St. Paul, you would be much better off in Eagan getting into St. Paul. That commute will be under 20 minutes during rush hour barring bad snow or an accident. You also get better schools and more housing options.

[Piglet99645]

I've found an awesome school program for my son in Bloomington......... but I"m not excited about the housing there. I need to get to Minneapolis and drive around!!

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by ferr0052

I agree with the last post. 494 is ALWAYS bad going west...it's bad going east from 169 to france and/or 35W in the evening..otherwise its normally really clear.

I haven't commuted to DT St. Paul..however, as you get closer to DT the posted speed limit goes down to 30 or 35 and becomes almost like a parkway..so I think even with congested traffic the google maps 20 minutes sounds reasonable.

No it doesn't, it's posted at 45mph between the river & downtown. But everyone goes 55+, especially at rush hour. The only time I see it patrolled is weekends and non-rush hours.

[ferr0052]

okay i stand corrected

[WendyRLee]

I think you should come and drive it from where you are thinking of moving to where you would be working at rush hour. First hand experience is always the best.