MnDOT announces upcoming construction projects
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The Minnesota Department of Transportation is announcing its new construction projects, some of which have already kicked off. Theyr’e designed to improve safety on the state’s roads, but some will have impacts on commuters.
It’s no small undertaking; MnDOT will have 188 projects on roads and bridges across the state.
"I’m glad that we are going to be fixing things that need to be fixed," said St. Paul resident Ava Logan.
Some people said the timing is right, including John Christensen of St. Paul.
"There are very few people on the road," he said as to why now makes sense.
[KSTP]
A number of projects are happening in the Twin Cities, including Highway 5 around Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Interstate 94 from Nicollet Avenue to Highway 280, and I-35 near Harris/Rush City to name a few.
"Well, it is a headache, it’s a headache for everyone, especially when you need to get somewhere," said Christensen.
"We have a lot of work to do and a tight schedule. It’s going to be much safer and smoother, and right now if you drive on it, you will notice it’s a little bit bumpy and you can see some of the spots, it looks like it’s ready for some work," said MnDOT spokesperson Dave Aeikens.
Logan added, "I think it’s a good time to get it done, but for those of us that are driving it’s going to be kind of an issue, I guess, because all construction is kind of an issue to drive around."
MnDOT said other big projects across Greater Minnesota include Highway 61 in Grand Marais, Highways 1 and 32 in the northwest part of the state, I-94 from Maple Grove to Clearwater, Highway 210 west of Fergus Falls and Highway 14 in the southeast part of Minnesota.
"Hopefully, everyone will appreciate it when it’s done," Aeikens said.
While it may be frustrating to deal with while construction is in progress, some drivers said it’ll all be worth it in the end.
"If there was a little bit of road construction and we have to go around something, I wouldn’t be inconvenienced at all, I wouldn’t mind."