MnDOT publishes summer projects for the region

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced its 2024 state construction projects. Local projects include: • The final lift of pavement for the Highway 32 resurfacing project between Middle River and Greenbush. The highway was resurfaced last year, but the final lift hasn’t yet been installed. The final lift will be completed under traffic with lane closures and flagger operations. It is scheduled for early June through early July. The project is listed on the MnDOT website as costing as much as $15 million. It is unclear if that’s the total for the entire project, which also included culvert replacement near Strathcona. • Resurfacing and replacing culverts on Highway 89 between Grygla and the Red Lake Nation boundary. That $4.45 million project is expected to occur from July 8 to Aug. 24. • Resurfacing Highway 89 and upgrading adjacent sidewalks in Grygla from County Road 54 to Sixth Avenue. That $1.1 million project is expected to occur from July 8 to Aug. 24. • Upgrading the Northern Plains Railroad crossing signal system at Highway 75 in Warren. That $510,000 project is expected to occur from May 1 to Sept. 1. • Continuing to improve pedestrian accessibility at the Oak Lake Rest Area in Erskine. That $2.3 million project is expected to end June 1. Roundabout project at a cut-across intersection Polk County is leading a partnership project to construct a roundabout on Highway 75 at Polk County State Aid Highway 21 (commonly referred to as the cut-across) between Euclid and Angus. A detour will be in effect and involve Polk County Roads 23 and 66, and 150th Street Southwest. The $1.94 million project is scheduled to be completed this summer. “Drivers throughout Minnesota can expect to see more work zones, more orange cones, more closed lanes, and more people working along the road wearing their high-visibility gear,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “We need everyone on the road to work together to keep our crews, and yourselves, safe in work zones. When we all slow down and obey work zone speed limits, set aside our cell phones and other distractions, plan ahead and remain patient, we become safer together as we share the limited space inside work zones.” Overall, MnDOT has nearly 200 road construction projects this season that will help maintain and improve Minnesota’s roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure; improve safety and mobility; and support jobs that will be worked on statewide. The 2024 construction season includes 193 planned road and bridge projects, plus 54 projects that will improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings and transit infrastructure. Safety in work zones Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must: • Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300. • Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones. • Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work. • Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store. • Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times. • Do the zipper merge. • Avoid making unnecessary lane changes. • Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.