Mn/DOT road construction projects in our area

Jean Doran MatuaThe Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has recently launched its 2002 construction season throughout the state. Some of these projects will affect Kimball area residents, at least sometimes.

o Highway 55, from the west Meeker County line to the junction of Highway 22 in Eden Valley. This project is scheduled to begin in mid-July and go through early September, at a cost of $797,667. The concrete rehab will require a detour of Highway 55.

o Highway 15 from the junction of Highway 12 north to the Meeker/Stearns county line. This stretch of Highway 15 is scheduled for crack sealing beginning sometime in June. Crack sealing is a two-step process. First a router widens the crack to create a reservoir in the roadway surface, then a sealing material is placed in the cracks and covered with paper. Paper is used to cover the sealing material to prevent it from being pulled out while the sealing material cools. The traffic impact will be controlled by using pilot cars and/or flaggers.

As you’ve probably heard on the news, this year’s construction plan for Minnesota roads sets a record. There are nearly 250 projects across the state at an estimated cost of $1 billion.

Keep in mind that traffic law infractions within a work zone result in fines that are doubled. “There are an average of 2,400 crashes in work zones every year in Minnesota,” says Transporta-tion Commissioner Elwyn Tink-lenberg. “Most are caused by two factors: speed and driver inattention.”

Drivers are urged to slow down and stay alert when approaching a work zone.

For the latest on road conditions, check the Mn/DOT web site at , or call toll-free at (800) 542-0220.