Construction planned on 94

By Lisa Kaczke | The Daily Journal

Published 01:16 p.m., April 11, 2009

The federal stimulus package has created an opportunity for the Minnesota Department of Transportation to move up road projects in Otter Tail County.

Of the 16 projects in District 4 seven are being funded as a part of the $75 million slated for greater Minnesota road projects. Two of those seven are located in Otter Tail County, one on Interstate 94 and the other on Highway 210.

The boost in road and bridge repair funding is a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law in February to create jobs and improve the nation’s infrastructure.

A concrete rehabilitation project of both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-94 is planned on the 20.8 miles between the junction with Highway 59 and the Grant County line, said Dana Casey Hanson, of the Communications Division of MnDOT District 4.

The rehab project is expected to include repairing the cracks in the pavement; replacing and resealing the joints where the concrete panels meet; replacing all blacktop on the shoulders; repaving exit and entrance ramps at the junctions of the I-94 and Highway 59 North, Highway 210 North, County Road 1, Highway 210 South, Highway 59 South and County Road 35. The entire roadway is also expected to be grinded for a smoother ride, according to Hanson.

The preservation of the Lake Iverson and Hansel Lake rest areas is also a part of the project. The preservation will include the repaving of all parking lots and replacing concrete walkways, according to Hanson.The I-94 construction is expected to begin May 11 and end in June 2010.

During the construction, drivers can expect delays. Traffic will be delegated to one lane where the construction is occurring, although Hanson notes that no more than 10 miles in each direction can be reduced to one lane at a time.

The I-94 project was originally planned as two future projects. The eastbound lanes were expected to be rehabilitated in 2012. The westbound lanes were planned to be completed in 2014. However, with the federal stimulus money, MnDOT combined the two projects and was able to move it up to 2009, according to Hanson.

Also planned for the 2009 construction season due to federal stimulus funding is installing a traffic signal on Highway 210 at Redwood Lane in Fergus Falls. The project is expected to have possible daytime lane closures.

Projects were selected for federal stimulus funding based on: project readiness; falling within the State Transportation Improvement Program or in the Long Range District Plans; providing statewide coverage and impact job and transportation; using the entire capacity of the state’s highway construction industry; and were planned for a future construction season.

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the greater Minnesota state and local projects will create about 5,000 jobs.

“MnDOT is committed to mobilizing our workers, our contractors and our partners to ensure that Minnesota’s transportation dollars are spent efficiently and effectively,” MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel said. “In addition to road and bridge projects, we will increase maintenance on state roads to improve existing highway infrastructure.”

The MnDOT plans to have 223 state highway and bridge projects with a combined cost of $1.4 billion in 2009.

“Over the last six years we’ve moved forward with more highway construction than in any other comparable period in Minnesota’s history,” Gov. Tim Pawlenty said. “People sometimes say Minnesota has two seasons — winter and road construction. This past winter was pretty intense and this upcoming construction season will be, too. Our aim is to move people and goods faster, better and safer throughout Minnesota.”

Two other road construction projects were planned for the 2009 construction season in Otter Tail County, but are not being funded through the federal stimulus package.

A project on Highway 108 between Highway 59 and Highway 78 is expected to include the replacement of culverts and the resurfacing of the roadway. The project is slated to begin July 6 and end in October. The $7 million project is expected to cause detours and daytime lane closures.

Rumble strips are expected to be installed on the edges of Highways 200, 113, 228, 9, 108, 78, 79, 55 and 27. The project is expected to begin July 6 and end in September. Daytime lane closures can be expected during the project.

Sorel said that while the prospects of infrastructure improvements and job creation are exciting, the driving public should be cautious on the roadways during this busy time.

“We ask motorists to pay attention and follow the posted speeds, as work zones will be a common sight on our highways this season,” Sorel said.

During construction and road maintenance project work, MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol urge drivers to stay alert; watch for signs, equipment and workers; minimize distractions such as using cell phones, eating and drinking; avoid tailgating; follow posted speed limits; and stay in one lane while driving through a work zone. Fines double in work zones.

Residents can call 511 or log on to www.511mn.org for the latest statewide road and traffic conditions.

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