ST PAUL, Minn. — Call it a necessary evil of a mobile society that builds roads, and eventually wears them out.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has compiled a list of more than 200 construction projects for 2023, work that is necessary but often inconvenient for folks trying to get from point A to point B. Among them are 171 road and bridge projects, plus an additional 52 that will improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings and transit infrastructure.
“Warmer weather also means drivers can expect to see more orange cones and work zones around the state, as well as more people working on and around highway projects," said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. "MnDOT has a robust construction program planned this year, and we need motorists’ help to keep everyone safe: obey speed limits and slow down in work zones, put away cell phones and other distractions, be patient, and plan ahead for detours.”
Among the most significant projects that will take place statewide:
- Continuation of a multi-year project on Highway 10 in Anoka, including replacing and repairing bridges to improve traffic flow, safety and provide better pedestrian and bicycle access.
- Continued multi-year freeway construction of Highway 169 in Elk River, including four new interchanges that will improve traffic flow, increase capacity and improve motorist and pedestrian safety.
- Improving Highway 52 between Rosemount and Rochester by resurfacing concrete, repairing and updating bridges, and installing cable median barrier; and carrying out the final year of a three-year project on Highway 52 between Zumbrota and Cannon Falls that includes reconstructing southbound lanes, replacing bridges, improving safety by closing specific accesses, building a noise wall and installing permanent snow fence.
- Resurfacing westbound I-94, west of Alexandria near Highway 114 and improving the I-94 and Highway 27 interchange near Alexandria, including construction of roundabouts at both the westbound and eastbound ramps to improve mobility and traffic flow.
- Kicking off a two-year I-35 at Faribault project that will resurface 4.6 miles of the interstate and make other improvements.
- Wind up the final year of a project to expand Highway 14 between New Ulm and Nicollet from two lanes to four lanes, and complete a continuous four-lane road between New Ulm and Rochester.
For a complete laundry list of 2023 state construction program, including interactive maps and full project lists, check out the MnDOT website. There you'll find individual project pages with information about construction schedules, detours and traffic impacts, maps, benefits and project costs.
MnDOT reminds motorists that even though projects can be an inconvenience for motorists, safety in construction zones is of the utmost importance. Drivers are urged to:
- 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.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
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