A Whopping 247 Minnesota Transportation Projects Launching In 2024

As summer approaches in Minnesota, two things we can all count on are unpredictable weather and road construction projects.

This week, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, prepared everyone traveling within the state this year for what they can expect to encounter and how best to handle things when they approach construction work zones.

According to MnDOT, this year's construction season includes 193 planned road and bridge projects and 54 projects that will improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings, and transit infrastructure.

What Do All Of These Transportation Projects Mean For Motorists In Minnesota?

Travelers need to prepare to slow down whenever they construction work zones. There will be no shortage of orange cones, closed lanes, people working along the road, and all the other things that come when a project is underway.

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To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

• Obey posted speed limits. Remember, the fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
• Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, and mobile devices, adjusting the radio, and even eating in work zones.
• Move over and allow workers space to complete their work safely.
• If you're planning a road trip, remember you can get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org and through the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
• Expect delays and be patient, especially during peak travel times.
• Do the zipper merge.
• Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
• Follow instructions and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

What Are The Most Significant Projects Scheduled In Minnesota This Year?

While there is a significant number of projects scheduled throughout the state this year, MnDOT says the most significant include:

• Completing bridge work on I-35 between the Twin Cities and Duluth and resurfacing pavement near Hinckley, and the Atkinson bridge over Carlton County Road 61 will be repaired. Roadwork will also continue on I-35 in Duluth.
• Replacing and repairing bridges on Interstate 494 between Edina and Richfield continues for the second year of a four-year project that also includes reconfiguring the I-35W/I-494 interchange, building a pedestrian bridge, adding E-ZPass lanes, and constructing noise walls. Other major projects in the Twin Cities Metro area include pavement improvements on I-94 between Oakdale and Lakeland, Highway 36 between Roseville and Little Canada, and the start of a three-year project to repair the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis.
• Completing the I-35 Faribault project will include ramp, bridge, and pavement improvements.
• Crews will begin a three-year project to improve the I-90/Highway 52 interchange southeast of Rochester which involves replacing the I-90 bridges, constructing a new ramp/bridge over Highway 52, and other improvements.
• Reconstructing Highway 220 north of East Grand Forks with pavement and culvert replacements to improve drainage and the driving surface.
• Resurfacing the Hwy 25 bridge over the Mississippi River in Monticello, including drainage and sidewalk updates.
• A three-year project to improve the 11th Street underpass in Moorhead will involve constructing two underpasses under BNSF rail lines, a sidewalk, and other improvements.
• Two new roundabouts will be constructed during a two-year complete street project on Highways 59 and 108 in Pelican Rapids, also improving a shared-use path, sidewalk, and city utilities.

What Can Motorists Do To Prepare For Minnesota Transportation Projects?

Thankfully, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has a terrific variety of road construction planning and travel tools that travelers can utilize to be prepared for construction impacts like detours and lane closures.

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Taking any of the following 4 steps will be helpful:

1. Visit mndot.gov/construction for the statewide view of the 2024 construction season’s projects. The site features interactive maps linking to more detailed construction project websites, full project lists, and other information.
2. As mentioned above, visit 511mn.org or have the 511 app downloaded to your phone to get near-real-time travel information.
3. Sign up for project email updates, or other specific topics.
4. Follow MnDOT on social media.

By all means, explore Minnesota this year but make sure to be prepared for the hearty schedule of transportation projects that may alter your travel plans.

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