Bad Weekend To Go From Minneapolis To Bloomington On I-35W (Update)

Last weekend it was I-94 between Minneapolis and St Paul. It was 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 cones, 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 between Minneapolis and Bloomington along 94 and 35W From the Minneapolis Tribune:

the Minnesota Department of Transportation will completely close downtown sections of I-35W and I-94 and divert 380,000 vehicles to other routes.

Hopefully, people will be on the alert and not add to the slowdowns.

Apparently, people have been driving dangerously as a result of the stops:

The delays and heat triggered "some crazy behavior on the west end" on eastbound I-94 near Dunwoody Institute, said Kent Barnard, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation. "People were turning around and driving up an entrance ramp, going the wrong way to get out of the congestion." Sunday’s motorists would be wise to "use surface streets and stay off freeways," he said.

They should keep in mind that work zone violations 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!