Road Contruction Season Beginning: Drivers Warned That Construction Zone Deaths Have Increased
Northeastern Minnesota will have 23 new or continuing projects and travel delays should be expected.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is ready for summer road construction, and officials say get ready for road closures, lane changes, orange cones and a summer of endless stop and go.
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 very grim warning and reminder. Forty-three 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.
When driving you are advised to check the transportation department’s 511 website link so you can know what you are getting into, not be surprised, and be prepared to take your time.
