Minnesota state highway routing and sealing project begins Monday

Motorists traveling on various state highways in Fillmore, Winona, Wabasha, Goodhue, Mower and Freeborn counties should plan for extra travel time beginning Monday as crews begin routing and sealing work to help extend state roadways’ life expectancy, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Delays should be minimal through the work zone. Routing and sealing work will take place in both directions of the roadway, reducing traffic to one lane using flagging operations or a pilot car for traffic control. People can view www.511mn.org or the free mobile app to see where traffic impacts are.

Work begins Monday in Wabasha and Goodhue counties and will proceed, as weather permits. Crews will be working Monday through Friday during daylight and some Saturdays. It is anticipated that work should be completed in August.

Highways scheduled for routing and sealing work include:

• Highway 43/16: Mabel to Rushford
• Highway 65: Highway 13 to I-35
• Highway 105: MN/Iowa Border to I-90
• Highway 19: Highway 20 to Almond Street (Cannon Falls)
• Highway 60: Highway 52 (Zumbrota) to Zumbro Falls
• Highway 61: Highway 248 to Wabasha
• Highway 74: Weaver (South Weaver limits to Highway 61)

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 or 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.

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