Major Road Construction Is Happening In The Twin Cities: Don’t Add To The Problems

I’ve been spending a lot of the early spring in start and stop traffic. There have been one lane shutdowns along east bound I-94 in Maple Grove , 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 later this year. The unfortunate sight, is to see 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 week there will be the start of a major shutdown between Minneapolis and St Paul along I 94. From The Minneapolis Tribune:

Work begins on a major repaving and improvement project between Western Avenue and Hwy. 280 that will require lane restrictions, ramp closures and, for four weekends, complete closure of that stretch of freeway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

LANE RESTRICTIONS in the eastbound lanes start Monday; restrictions in the westbound lanes start May 17. Work will begin on the outside shoulders in both directions, starting at Hwy. 280 and going east, then on the inside shoulders in the same order. Lanes will sometimes be closed overnight.

During the project, all ramps along the route will be resurfaced. Ramps will be closed overnight when they are being worked on.

EASTBOUND I-94 WILL BE CLOSED the weekends of July 9-12 and July 23-26.

WESTBOUND LANES will be closed on the weekends of July 30-Aug. 2 and Aug. 6-9. Detours include Hwy. 280, Hwy. 36 and Interstate 35E. Closures start at 10 p.m. Fridays and end at 5 a.m. Mondays.

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!