The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is getting ready for the construction season, and officials say get ready for road closures and lane changes.
Thursday, MNDOT revealed plans for 23 projects in Northeastern Minnesota, extending from Hinckley to the Canadian border.
“Highway 2 near Floodwood gets a long-needed mill and overlay,” said Andy Johnson, Assistant District Engineer for MNDOT.
“So on either side of Floodwood expect day-time flagging operations and lane closures. Highway 61 same thing. Working on the expressway repaving from about Superior Street to McQuade. And a big resurfacing job up on the Iron Range between Chisholm and Virginia. Highway 169, that’s a pavement replacement,” said Johnson.
Nine of the projects are continuing from last year, and 14 are new. They include pavement improvement, roundabouts, and bridge work.
There was also a warning and reminder that 43 people have died in state construction zone crashes over a five-year stretch. And it’s getting worse. Drivers are urged to be alert and don’t suddenly find yourself zooming into a work zone.
“So, we remind people to slow down all the time, and specifically in the work zones. Please move over a lane to give the workers space to do their work,” said Minnesota State Patrol Captain Jason Engeldinger.
“Wear your seatbelt to keep you and the other people in your car safe. Drive focused. Put the distractions away. The cellphones. Keep your eyes focused on the road. Other distractions include looking down at your radio, people in other parts of the car, looking down to pick up items. We ask that you please stay focused,” the captain said.
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Source: Fox 21 Online
