$1.1 billon effort will construct 308 projects

ST PAUL, Minn.-More than 300 construction projects scheduled for 2014 will do much to improve highways, bridges and other state transportation infrastructure to ensure the safety and mobility of the traveling public, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today.

"Hundreds of road and bridge improvements getting underway this spring and summer will support Minnesota's growing economy, improve our quality of life and create thousands of good-paying jobs all over our state," said Governor Mark Dayton. "I thank the dedicated construction workers and engineers who are doing this important work, and urge Minnesotans to drive safely in construction zones this season."

The $1.1 billion 2014 construction program of 308 projects includes work on 74 projects in the Twin Cities and 194 projects in Greater Minnesota. An additional 40 projects statewide will improve safety at railroad crossings, and make improvements on runways and terminals at regional airports. The work includes projects funded by the Corridors of Commerce program, a bonding effort aimed at improving roadways for freight travel.

"This program will provide vital upgrades to our transportation system," said MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle. "The Corridors of Commerce projects will ensure that roadways vital to business use will get needed improvements."

High-impact projects in the Twin Cities metro area include:

• I-35E between I-94 in St. Paul and Little Canada Road, construction of MnPASS Express Lanes, replace pavement and bridges and improve traffic management technology
• Highway 65 from Fridley to Spring Lake Park, replace pavement and make safety improvements to the highway and bus stops
• Highway 100 bridge replacements and highway widening from 36th Street to St. Louis Park

Projects in Greater Minnesota include:

• Highway 29 complete streets reconstruction in downtown Alexandria
• Highway 34 construct passing lanes from Detroit Lakes to Nevis (a Corridors of Commerce project)
• I-94 additional lane construction from Highway 101 to Highway 241 (a Corridors of Commerce project)
• I-35 in Owatonna reconstruction and bridge replacement

"We will ensure that these roadway investments get the most for taxpayer dollars," Zelle added. "The public deserves smooth, safe roads that are built and maintained efficiently."

Because of the number of work zones motorists will encounter as crews perform road construction and maintenance work, MnDOT asks drivers to be alert on the road this summer.

MnDOT urges motorists to:

• Check www.511mn.org for up-to-date information about traffic and road conditions.
• Minimize distractions (e.g., don't use cell phones or eat or drink while driving)
• Follow posted speed limits; fines double in work zones
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.