ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation said road construction projects will continue as planned, as construction, utility, and maintenance workers are given an exemption from the state's COVID-19 Stay at Home order.
MnDOT said 188 road and bridge projects are scheduled statewide for the 2020 construction season, with several of those projects already underway. An additional 66 airport, transit, and railroad projects are also in the works.
Officials said reduced traffic due to the Stay at Home order has allowed some projects to advance ahead of schedule, including work on Highway 5 near MSP International Airport.
“It is critical that MnDOT continue its work to maintain and improve our state’s transportation infrastructure,” Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher said in a statement. “A safe, reliable and multimodal transportation system is essential to keeping our state running in times of crisis. MnDOT construction projects will continue as scheduled and within the guidance set by state and federal health officials to prevent further spread of COVID-19. We are especially grateful to our employees and partners in labor and the private sector for working together and prioritizing safety for workers on project sites.”
Some of the major projects in the metro include:
Highway 5: Resurfacing the highway and ramps from the Mississippi River to I-494 near the airport. Full details about this project, including closures and detours can be found on a special Around the Airport website.
I-94 Nicollet to 280: Resurfacing the freeway and ramps between Nicollet Avenue and Highway 280, adding traffic management systems and improving accessibility.
I-35W North Metro MnPASS: Adding MnPASS Express Lanes on I-35W between County Road C in Roseville and Lexington Avenue in Blaine. Includes resurfacing I-35W and replacing or repairing bridges and sound walls.
A full list of MnDOT's 2020 projects across the state can be found on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.
