Heads up for Highway 61, I-35 drivers and travelers: MnDOT announces 2024 state construction projects
Apr 23, 2024 10:52AM ● By Content EditorFrom the Minnesota Department of Transportation - April 23, 2024
Travelers should prepare to slow down for construction work zones as road projects begin to ramp up across the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced earlier this month. The agency has nearly 200 road construction projects this season that will help maintain and improve Minnesota's roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure; improve safety and mobility; and support jobs that will be worked on statewide.
Related: Revising the 10-Year Cook County Transportation Plan, Highway Department delays three projects
The 2024 construction season includes 193 planned road and bridge projects, plus 54 projects that will improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings, and transit infrastructure.
"Drivers throughout Minnesota can expect to see more work zones, more orange cones, more closed lanes, and more people working along the road wearing their high-visibility gear," said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. "We need everyone on the road to work together to keep our crews, and yourselves, safe in work zones. When we all slow down and obey work zone speed limits, set aside our cell phones and other distractions, plan ahead, and remain patient, we become safer together as we share the limited space inside work zones."
Image: MnDOT
Highway 61
- Resurface Hwy 61 from Superior St to CR 33/McQuade Rd in Duluth, from April 15, 2024, to November 30, 2024. More info: mndot.gov/d1/projects/hwy61-expressway-resurfacing
- Construct intersection safety improvements and/or add left turn lanes at 5 intersections on Hwy 61 south of Two Harbors from June 17, 2024, to November 30, 2024. More info: mndot.gov/d1/projects/hwy61
- Repair and resurface the bridge on I-35 over Carlton County Rd 61 near Carlton through July 1, 2024. More info: mndot.gov/d1/projects/atkinson-bridge
- Resurface 3 miles of I-35 and replace 4 bridges near Hinckley until July 1, 2026. More info: mndot.gov/d1/projects/hinckley-bridge
- Resurface I-35, including ramps on I-35, between Lake Ave and 21st Ave E in Duluth starting July 8, 2024, through November 30, 2024. More info: mndot.gov/d1/projects/i-35-duluth-bridges
- Repair bridges and ramps on I-35 at Mesaba Ave in Duluth from July 8, 2024, through November 14, 2025. More info: mndot.gov/d1/projects/i-35-duluth-bridges
- Resurface I-35 near Willow River and Hwy 73 near Moose Lake starting July 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024.
- Construct Twin Ports Interchange, bridge replacement at I-35, I-535 and Hwy 53 in Duluth through June 30, 2025. More info: mndot.gov/d1/projects/twin-ports-interchange
For the full list, visit: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/construction/2024/d1.html
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- 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.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
2024 Minnesota road construction planning and travel tools
Travelers can use several online tools to plan ahead for construction impacts like detours and lane closures.
- Visit mndot.gov/construction for the statewide view of the 2024 construction season’s projects. The site includes interactive maps linking to more detailed construction project websites, full project lists and other information.
- Individual project pages include information about construction schedules, detours and traffic impacts, maps, benefits and project costs.
- Know before you go – visit 511mn.org or use the 511 app to get near-real-time travel information.
- Sign up for project email updates, or other specific topics.
- Follow MnDOT on social media.
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