“I can’t imagine driving around Minnesota and not finding a work zone somewhere,” said MnDOT spokesperson Kent Barnard.
One project on Highway 65 at Klondike Drive in East Bethel will be under construction until mid-July.
“It does kind of come up on you. You have to be watching the signs to make sure that you’re slowing down and watching for workers and any unexpected things that might happen in the work zone,” said Barnard.
Barnard says wherever possible, highway crews will try to open up work areas for better movement of traffic over holidays like Memorial Day. In some places where roads are completely closed, that may not be possible.
After three years of work, the Interstate 35W Minn Pass project is well known by drivers. But it can still be confusing because of constant changes in traffic patterns.
“There are a lot of traffic changes and a lot of switches out there, it almost seems like on a weekly basis. So people really have to pay attention when they’re approaching the work zone,” said Barnard. “Read the signs so you know which lane to get in. We have some thru lanes we have some local lanes. That could change in a month and be totally different.
In the past six years, 50 people have died in Minnesota highway work zones. Most of been motorists, but it’s also dangerous for construction workers. Recently, one man was injured in the 35-W project, another was killed in the south metro.
“We have had some incidents this year where workers have been injured, said Barnard. “I just tell people to expect the unexpected. I mean you never know a worker could lose his balance, and fall into a lane or a truck may not see you. So slow down and take your time.”
You can check for work zones along your rout before you even leave the house. Go to: www.511mn.org.
