I’ve been spending a lot of the summer in start and stop traffic. There have been one lane shutdowns along I-94, which have been doubling the trip time from St Cloud to the Twin cites. Sure, it can be a hassle, but the reality is, that a better road will make the trip easier come fall and winter. The unfortunate sight, is to see the number of collisions that slow things down even before the construction zone.
There are big signs, electric notices and state workers out there in orange vests. But still, people drive to fast and continue to not pay attention as they call and suffer from, as my fellow writer from Oklahoma Noble McIntyre describes, driving inTEXTicated .
This weekend there will be major shutdowns along 94 and 35W. From The Minneapolis Tribune:
All lanes of westbound Interstate 94 heading out of Minneapolis between I-394 and I-694 are closed until 5 a.m. Monday as crews prep and paint overpasses at Broadway Avenue, 26th Avenue, 41st Avenue, 42nd Avenue and the Soo Line Railroad.
The detour route will be I-394 west to Hwy. 100, then north to I-94 west.
All motorists will be directed off westbound I-94 at I-394. However, motorists will be allowed to head a bit farther west and exit at Hwy. 55.
In the same time frame, all lanes of northbound I-35W — from Hwy. 13 in Burnsville to I-494 in Bloomington — also are closed. This is for reconstruction work. The detour route will be I-35E north to Hwy. 77; north to Hwy. 62; west to I-35W.
Hopefully, people will be on the alert and not add to the slowdowns.
Also keep in mind that work zones come with double fines.
Other safety tips include:
- Stay alert, expect the unexpected.
- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
- Anticipate lane shifts – merge when directed to do so.
- Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
- Don’t speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.
- Avoid using mobile phones while driving in work zones.
- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
- Be patient!
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
3 Comments
Mark Bello
Mike: Great advice, as usual. It would be wise to also remind drivers that, if they must use mobile phones while driving, try to limit conversations or use 'hands free' devices. Please, people, don't text while driving and never, never, never play the bagpipes or the trumpet while driving (see my recent IB post)! Nice work, Mike; have a safe weekend.
Daniel 8791
Quite soon, that word "intexticated" will make it on the list of "new words" from the previous year. I encountered some unexpected road construction on 494 in Bloomington where it was reduced to one lane, during the evening. Usually MNDOT does a good job warning drivers with signs placed or the overhead digital traffic signs giving advance notice, but this was not the case last week. BAD MNDOT, BAD, BAD....rant over
Mike Bryant
That is to bad, hopefully all the cars got through there ok. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
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