Minnesota’s Department of Transportation will move forward with nearly 200 surface transportation projects during 2020 to maintain roads and bridges as well as support jobs across the state.
The projects, some of which have already started, will begin ahead of schedule, the department said, in light of reduces traffic volumes spurred by statewide efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus. On March 23, Gov. Tim Walz issued a stay-at-home order for the state.
The MnDOT will also work on 66 other infrastructure projects improving airports, ports and railroads typically outside of the state road construction program.
“It is critical that MnDOT continue its work to maintain and improve our state’s transportation infrastructure,” said Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “A safe, reliable and multimodal transportation system is essential to keeping our state running in times of crisis. MnDOT construction projects will continue as scheduled and within the guidance set by state and federal health officials to prevent further spread of COVID-19. We are especially grateful to our employees and partners in labor and the private sector for working together and prioritizing safety for workers on project sites.”
Roadway construction workers were exempted from Walz’s stay-at-home order.
Projects include resurfacing Hwy 5 around the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; constructing an MnPASS Express Lane on I-35 between Roseville and Blaine while repaving I-35, repairing or replacing several bridges and installing seven noise walls; replacing International Bridge on Hwy 72 in Baudette and demolishing the old bridge.
A complete list of all 188 projects is available at mndot.gov/roadwork/current.html.