More than 200 construction projects that will help maintain Minnesota’s roads and bridges, improve safety and support thousands of construction jobs across the state will be worked on this year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today.
In addition, crews will make safety and infrastructure improvements to 51 multimodal projects, which are airport, port, transit, and railroad projects that are outside of the state road construction program.
“Safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable transportation is vital to the quality of life and economic success of our state,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “Although Minnesota’s transportation needs greatly outnumber available resources, this year’s construction program demonstrates MnDOT’s commitment to making smart investments in our system to better serve all people.”
For a quick overview of the 2021 state construction program announcement, view this video.
Minnesotans can also find an interactive map and full 2021 project list at mndot.gov/construction. Individual project pages include information about construction schedules, traffic impacts, maps, benefits, and costs.
Highlights of this year’s program in northwest Minnesota (MnDOT District 2):
- Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI’s) will be constructed on Hwy 2 west of Bemidji, improving safety and access between Beltrami County Road 14, in Wilton, and Beltrami County Road 9.
- A Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) is scheduled to be constructed on Hwy 2 near Marcoux Corner, improving safety at the intersection with Hwy 32.
- Resurface Hwy 59 from Winger to Erskine creating a longer-lasting road and improve pedestrian crossings in Winger.
- Resurface 15.6 miles of Highway 200 near the south shore of Leech Lake, replacing two culverts, widening shoulders, and adding turn lanes to improve drainage and safety while creating a longer-lasting road.
“Our crews work tirelessly to keep our transportation safe for all people, and we appreciate Minnesotans’ patience and understanding,” Anderson Kelliher said. “Remember, we’re all in the work zone together. Watch out for work zones, travel at the posted speed limit, put your phone away, and avoid distractions while driving.”
Motorists can stay informed about projects and other transportation topics by connecting to MnDOT via social media, as well as by signing up to receive email updates at www.mndot.gov.
SAFETY
Motorists may encounter lane closures or lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, equipment, and other unexpected obstacles when driving near or through work zones. MnDOT advises motorists to:
- Find up-to-date information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times
- Go hands-free and minimize other distractions (e.g., don’t eat or drink while driving)
- Follow posted speed limits; the fine for speeding in a work zone is $300
- Avoid making lane changes within work zones
