ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor's note: The video above first aired September 16, 2021.
The sun is figuratively going down on outdoor project season in Minnesota, both in the yards of residents and across the state's roads, highways and byways.
Officials at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) say construction crews either completed or advanced 261 separate projects in 2021, the second full season to occur during the COVID pandemic. Despite the added safety protocols and delays due to drought and water use restrictions, MnDOT credits construction crews for working to complete most of those projects on schedule, and on budget.
“This year’s construction program delivered new bridges and smoother roads, and improved designs to create better connections and mobility for people walking and biking." said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher in a released statement. "Several projects also addressed aging infrastructure to help rejuvenate main streets in communities across Minnesota.”
Among the most impactful projects completed in 2021 include:
- 35W@94 Downtown to Crosstown in Minneapolis
- I-94 Maple Grove to Clearwater
- Highway 14 Dodge Center to Owatonna
- Highway 72 International Bridge in Baudette
- Highway 61 in Grand Marais
Work continues on a major project on I-94 between Maple Grove and Albertville that involves concrete resurfacing, adding lanes between Highway 610 and Highway 101 and between St. Michael and Albertville, improving bridges and ramps, improving the Elm Creek Rest Area and building a new interchange at Dayton Parkway.
A complete list of construction highlights, by region, can be found on the MnDOT website.
Anderson Kelliher reminds drivers that some work zones around Minnesota will remain active through November as long as the weather holds, and the practice of slowing down and giving workers extra room to safely do their jobs should be standard practice.