We don't know her name yet, but she's a true American: born on the Fourth of July, and on the road.

Just after 6:30 a.m. Monday, State Patrol troopers, Minneapolis firefighters and North Memorial Medical Center paramedics were called to help a woman in labor on Interstate 94.

The first responders helped deliver the baby girl on the side of the eastbound lane of the freeway near Lowry Avenue N. The mother and baby were then taken to Hennepin County Medical Center in an ambulance.

"I think she just didn't get to the hospital in time," Minneapolis Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Tyner said Monday.

As for a special highway delivery? "It doesn't happen very often."

Authorities declined to identify the mother but said that both she and her daughter are doing well at HCMC.

KELLY SMITH