DOT Highway 10 traffic switches near Glyndon

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – Eastbound traffic on Highway 10 east of Glyndon has shifted to the newly-constructed bridge over the Buffalo River. A single lane of traffic remains open in each direction.

Over the next week, crews will remove crossovers and complete other final work on the project.

All four lanes of Highway 10 are expected to open by the end of the week, weather permitting.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

MnDOT seeks input on draft Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan

                

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation invites public comment on the draft Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan, a comprehensive policy plan that provides insight and direction on how to reduce traffic-related crashes.

The public comment period is open from June 9 until 4 p.m. on July 8, 2014.

A draft copy of the Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan will be posted at www.mndot.gov/safetyplan beginning June 9. Alternate formats of the document can be made available upon request at any of MnDOT’s eight district offices (see www.mndot.gov for locations) or from the MnDOT Library in Central Office at 395 John Ireland Blvd. in St. Paul.

Developed in consultation with safety stakeholders from education, emergency medical and trauma services, enforcement, engineering and other disciplines, the Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan is based on data and trends that will affect traffic safety during the next several years. It describes how many, where, what type and to whom crashes occur, and presents Minnesota’s future focus area priorities and a framework for selecting traffic safety strategies that will help move the state toward zero deaths on Minnesota roadways. The plan also highlights opportunities for collaboration and performance measures to chart progress.

Written comments on the draft Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan should be sent to safetyplan@state.mn.us no later than 4 p.m. on July 8, 2014.

After the public comment period, MnDOT will make appropriate changes to the plan and submit it to the Federal Highway Administration.

New traffic signal is a first for Bemidji

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists at the Highway 197/Paul Bunyan Drive stoplight in Bemidji soon will encounter a change to the existing traffic signal that features a flashing yellow arrow for left-hand turns. This is the first time a flashing yellow signal has been used in Bemidji.

The change will go into effect in early to mid-June.

When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to turn left off westbound 197/Paul Bunyan Drive after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The revised traffic signal still will use the traditional red, yellow and green arrows, with an additional flashing yellow arrow section. Flashing yellow arrow signals have been shown to help drivers make fewer mistakes and minimize unnecessary waiting for motorists by allowing more opportunities to make a left turn.

After extensive testing, the Federal Highway Administration authorized use of flashing yellow arrows nationwide in 2009. The flashing yellow arrow is now part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s standard design of traffic signals. MnDOT has installed more than 60 systems throughout Minnesota to date. Some Minnesota cities and counties also are installing the new signals.

A study conducted by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program determined that drivers had fewer crashes with flashing yellow left-turn arrows than with traditional yield-on-green signals.

MnDOT plans to install the new flashing yellow arrow systems on most future traffic signal construction projects. Retrofitting existing signals to include flashing yellow arrows can be costlyand will be done on a limited basis. 

To read more about the new flashing yellow arrow signals, visit www.mndot.gov/trafficeng/signals/flashingyellowarrow.html. 

Travelers are urged to use caution in work zones over Memorial Day weekend

ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to use extra caution while driving through highway work zones over Memorial Day weekend. 

Motorists should be prepared for slower moving traffic and use extra caution in highway work zones. Plan ahead, think about alternate routes and go to www.511mn.org before you leave home to get information about road construction and detours.

“We are working on hundreds of construction projects around the state,” said Sue Mulvihill, deputy commissioner and chief engineer. “It is critical that drivers pay attention and slow down in work zones and make it a safe weekend for everyone.”

Highway projects that may affect weekend travel May 23-26 include:

Twin Cities area

·        Southbound Highway 169 between Highway 62 and Valley View Road – closed; traffic will be detoured to westbound Highway 212 and eastbound Interstate 494

·        35E in St. Paul – lane and ramp closures

Central Minnesota

·        I-94 in Monticello – narrow lanes, reduced speed limits

·        Highway 10 interchange construction in Rice – narrow lanes and reduced speeds

·        Highway 95 in Cambridge – closed with detour

Northern Minnesota

·        I-35 near Cloquet - lane closures

·        Highway 2 in Duluth - Bong Bridge construction

·        Highway 18 - Highway 47 junction to the County Road 61 – lane closures

·        Highway 29 in Alexandria closed between 3^rd Avenue and 6^th Avenue

Southern Minnesota

·        I-35 in Owatonna - single lane traffic in both directions

·        Highway 7 and Highway 22 closed from Cosmos to Hutchinson

·        Highway 14 closed from Florence to Tracy

·        Highway 24 closed from Litchfield to Highway 15

·        Highway 52 south of Cannon Falls – lane closures

·        Highway 63 closed south of Stewartville

·        Highway 212 closed from Dawson to Highway 59

Check www.511mn.org for additional road information.

Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the deadliest on Minnesota roads..

The four-year average (2010-13) for work zone crashes is 1,817 crashes and seven fatalities per year.

MnDOT reminds motorists to follow these guidelines when driving through work zones:

• Stay alert, especially at night.
• Obey posted speed limits. Fines may double for violations in work zones.
• Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day, you could experience lane shifts, closures or moving workers and vehicles.
• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
• Don’t make unnecessary lane changes.
• Stay off cell phones and mobile devices.
• Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Move over one lane, if possible, or reduce speed for stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles, including ambulance, fire, law enforcement or maintenance and construction vehicles.

Sign up for MnDOT email updates to get construction project and major closure alerts. Other updates include bicycle projects, finance, planning, and permits.

Highway 10 bridge project east of Glyndon begins May 14

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – Motorists on Highway 10 just east of Highway 9 near Glyndon will encounter lane closures when a bridge replacement project begins May 14, weather permitting.

Crews will replace the eastbound Highway 10 bridge over the Buffalo River.

During the first two weeks of the project, motorists will experience lane closures while crews install temporary crossovers in the median.

For the remainder of the project, all traffic will shift to the north side of Highway 10 with a single lane of traffic in each direction.

Traffic delays are possible this summer, particularly on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, as people travel between the lakes area and the Fargo-Moorhead area.

All work on the reconstruction project is expected to be complete by August, weather permitting.

When the road work is complete, motorists will notice a newer, safer bridge over the Buffalo River. This project helps ensure MnDOT’s transportation system will continue to serve the state for many years.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

Lane closures planned on I-94 west of Alexandria in early April

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Interstate 94 west of Alexandria near Lake Latoka will encounter intermittent delays and lane closures during the first two weeks of April.

Traffic will reduce to a single lane in each direction during daytime hours through mid-April while crews work near the interstate as part of the CapX2020 transmission line project.

On Tuesday, April 1, and Wednesday, April 2, weather-permitting, crews will use a helicopter to string power lines over the interstate. Traffic may stop temporarily during this work. State Patrol troopers will be on site to assist travelers through the work zone. Motorists should slow down, be alert and keep traveling through the work zone, unless directed by law enforcement.

Several I-94 wire crossings will occur between Alexandria and Barnesville this summer and fall. Additional information will be released in advance of those crossings.

For more information about the CapX2020 project, call 1-866-876-2869 or visit www.capx2020.com.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

New traffic signal in Thief River Falls is the first in NW MN

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists at the Highway 32 and Greenwood Street intersection in Thief River Falls will encounter a new traffic signal beginning Tuesday, Sept. 17, that features a flashing yellow arrow for left turns. This is the first time a flashing yellow signal has been used on a state highway in MnDOT’s district two, which serves 14 counties in northwestern Minnesota.

The signal was installed as part of the intersection reconstruction project at Highway 32 (Main Avenue) and Greenwood Street which was led by the city of Thief River Falls.

When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The new traffic signal will still use the traditional red, yellow and green arrows. Flashing yellow arrow signals have been shown to help drivers make fewer mistakes and they minimize unnecessary waiting for motorists by allowing more opportunities to make a left turn.

After extensive testing, the Federal Highway Administration authorized use of flashing yellow arrows nationwide in 2009. The flashing yellow arrow is now part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s standard design of traffic signals. MnDOT has installed more than 60 systems throughout Minnesota thus far. Some Minnesota cities and counties are also installing the new signals.

A study conducted by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program determined that drivers had fewer crashes with flashing yellow left-turn arrows than with traditional yield-on-green signals.

MnDOT plans to install the new flashing yellow arrow systems on most future traffic signal construction projects. Retrofitting existing signals to include flashing yellow arrows can be costly and will be done on a limited basis. 

To read more about the new flashing yellow arrow signals, please visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signals/flashingyellowarrow.html

I-94 Clearwater to St. Cloud project complete; all lanes now open

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Motorists travelling Interstate 94 between Clearwater and St. Cloud will find all lanes and ramps of the newly resurfaced roadway open to traffic.

Regular lane closures have occurred on the segment of road since late March as crews resurfaced the roadway’s pavement and shoulders, improved drainage and installed new guardrail.

That project is now complete, and no closures are planned on that segment of I-94 for the remainder of 2013.

Work continues on I-94 between St. Michael and Monticello. Motorists travelling that segment of interstate should slow down, be prepared to stop and plan for non-rush hour delays as lane closures will continue through early September.

For more information on the I-94 Clearwater to St. Cloud project, visit www.mndot.gov/d3/i94/.

For more information on the I-94 St. Michael to Monticello project, visit mndot.gov/d3/i94/commute.html

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.

All Interstate 94 lanes now open between Clearwater, St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Motorists travelling both directions of Interstate 94 between Clearwater and St. Cloud will find all lanes and ramps open for the July 4 holiday travel week.

Lanes and ramps along the segment of busy interstate have been closed since April, 2013 as crews resurfaced the roadway.

All four lanes are now complete, and no closures are planned through midnight, July 7.

Intermittent lane closures will resume on both directions of I-94 between Clearwater and St. Cloud July 8 through July 26.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of July.

For more information or to view real-time traffic cameras for the project, visit mndot.gov/d3/i94/.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.

I-94 Traffic Switch Complete Between St Cloud & Clearwater

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Both directions of Interstate 94 are reduced to a single lane on the westbound side of the interstate between Highway 24 in Clearwater and County Road 75 in St. Cloud as of 1:35 p.m. today. The switch is needed as construction crews begin resurfacing work on a 7.5 mile stretch of the busy interstate.

I-94 traffic will remain a single lane in each direction, head-to-head until early July, with the exception of Memorial Day weekend.

Motorists travelling I-94 between the Twin Cities Metro Area and St. Cloud should expect major delays in both directions of the interstate between Clearwater and St. Cloud. Traffic forecasts show initial backups could extend five to seven miles, with summertime backups of 20 miles or more possible during peak travel periods. The longest backups are expected for weekend travelers.

Motorists should plan alternate routes, allow extra time for travel and check www.511mn.org for real-time traffic information prior to travel.

When complete, the project will result in a smoother ride, improved drainage and reduced short-term maintenance costs on 7.5 miles of busy interstate.

For detailed project information, including current schedule, travel information and tips on navigating during construction, or to sign up for project email updates, please visit the project’s website: www.mndot.gov/d3/i94/.

Statewide traffic, construction and travel information is available at www.511mn.org,
or call 5-1-1.

Toward Zero Deaths workshop in Thief River Falls

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Interested individuals in northwestern Minnesota are invited to attend a one-day workshop focusing on preventing deaths on Minnesota highways on Wednesday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in Minnesota for ages two through 34.

The workshop will take place at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, 525 Brooks Ave., Thief River Falls, Minn. There is no charge for the workshop and lunch is provided.

The Toward Zero Deaths initiative is a statewide approach bringing together people who work in enforcement, traffic education, engineering and emergency medical and trauma services.

Volunteers in these areas are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

The mission of TZD is to create a culture for which traffic fatalities and serious injuries are no longer acceptable.

Online registration is available at http://www.minnesotatzd.org/events/workshops/NW/2012/register.html.

For more information, contact Holly Kostrzewski, Northwest Minnesota TZD coordinator, at 218-755-6594.

EXTRA TEXTING, DISTRACTED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT APRIL 19

ST. PAUL — Minnesota drivers need to pay attention to this: State traffic safety officials and law enforcement agencies are launching a distracted driving education campaign this week anchored by increased enforcement on Thursday, April 19.

The effort, coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety, will include ramped-up patrols from nearly 400 city and county agencies, partnering with the State Patrol.

The campaign will include paid media as well as support from the Minnesota Safety Council and the Minnesota Teen Coalition to encourage high school students to push anti-distracted driving messages through social media channels and at schools.

Driver distraction is a contributing factor in one-quarter of all Minnesota vehicle crashes annually — and resulting in 208 deaths and nearly 26,000 injuries in the last three years.

In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read, compose or send texts/emails, and access the Web on a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic — even at a stoplight/stop sign, or stuck in traffic. It is also illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone at any time.

“While driving may seem like a routine activity for many of us, the road environment changes constantly and demands focus at all times,” says Donna Berger, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “We can’t use our daily commutes to conduct other business while behind the wheel.”

Minnesota’s “no texting” law was enacted in August 2008 and citations have increased each year:
2008 (five months) — 93; 2009 — 294; 2010 — 518; 2011 — 784.

Distractions cause drivers to react more slowly to traffic conditions or events, such as a vehicle stopping or pulling out in traffic. A University of Utah study reports that using a cell phone while driving, whether hands-free or hand-held, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having an alcohol-concentration level of 0.08 percent. And when texting, drivers take their eyes off the road for up to 4.6 out of every 6 seconds — equivalent to traveling the length of a football field at 55 mph hours without looking up.

DPS underscores driver distractions include reaching for items, fiddling with radio/music/vehicle controls, eating/drinking, dealing with rowdy passengers, grooming and more.

Tips to minimize distractions:

·         Cell phones — turn off cell phones, or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial/answer or read or send a text. If a passenger is present, ask them to handle calls/texts.

·         Music and other controls — pre-program favorite radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and AC/heat before traveling, or ask a passenger to assist.

·         Navigation — designate a passenger to serve as a co-pilot to help with directions. If driving alone, map out destinations in advance, and pull over to study a map or program the GPS.

·         Eating and drinking — try to avoid food/beverage (especially messy foods) and have drinks secured.

·         Children — teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle; do not underestimate how distracting it can be to tend to children while driving.

·         Passengers should speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior.

·         If making/receiving a call to/from someone driving, ask them to call back when they are not driving.

About the Office of Traffic Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements, and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads.  OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program and for the child seats for needy families program. OTS is an anchoring partner of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety initiative.

Recent OTS Activity

·         A statewide DWI crackdown on St. Patrick’s Day weekend resulted in at least 250 DWI arrests.

·         OTS released a study conducted by the University of Minnesota that found the primary seat belt law has resulted in 68 fewer deaths since the law was enacted nearly three years ago.

·         OTS is coordinating a pilot program, parent-teen driver awareness courses, to educate parents about their responsibilities to train and monitor their new teen driver.

·         Real-time Officer Activity Report is being rolled out statewide to increase the ease with which enforcement agencies report their activities in order for OTS to report enforcement results to the public.

·         OTS partners with AAA Minnesota/Iowa for the eighth year of the Buckle Up Teens! TV Commercial Challenge. Teens create TV PSAs to educate peers.

Kragnes intersection to become four-way stop Feb. 15

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Motorists traveling on Highway 75 north of Moorhead will soon be required to stop at the Clay County Road 26 intersection, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT is converting the intersection from a two-way stop to a four-way stop to improve safety. Northbound and southbound Highway 75 traffic will be required to stop at the intersection when the work is completed Wednesday, Feb. 15, weather permitting.

Motorists may encounter crews working at or near the intersection prior to Feb. 15 while they prepare for the conversion. Crews will add rumble strips to Highway 75 and the new stop signs and stop-ahead signs will be enhanced with flashing lights. Temporary message boards ahead of the intersection also will alert motorists while they become accustomed to the change.

MnDOT crews will add pavement markings to Highway 75 at a later date as weather permits.

NEARLY HALF OF SUPER BOWL SUNDAY TRAFFIC DEATHS ALCOHOL-RELATED

ST. PAUL — Public safety officials are reminding Minnesota motorists to designate a sober driver before the coin toss on Super Bowl Sunday to avoid the dangers and consequences of a DWI.

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, during Super Bowl Sunday, 2006¬–2010:

• Of the nine traffic deaths, four were alcohol-related. This 44 percent rate of alcohol-related fatal crashes is higher than the state’s annual average of more than 30 percent.

• 1,201 motorists arrested for DWI.

“For any night you plan on celebrating, get in the habit of planning for a sober ride home,” says Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol. “To stop preventable traffic deaths we need everyone to avoid the risk of driving impaired and always buckle up.”

Each year in Minnesota, alcohol-related crashes account for more than one-third of the state’s total traffic deaths (an average of 160 annual deaths in last five years) and 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI.

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time. Stronger sanctions are in effect for all repeat DWI offenders, as well as for motorists arrested for a first-time DWI with an alcohol-concentration level of 0.16 and above. Under these sanctions, DWI offenders must use ignition interlock for at least a year or face at least one year without driving privileges. Interlock requires the driver to provide a breath sample under 0.02 for the vehicle to start.

Keys to the Game
• Have a game plan — plan for a safe ride: Designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Make the call — report impaired driving: Call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Witnesses must be prepared to provide location, license plate and observed dangerous behavior.

DWI enforcement and education is a component of the state’s core traffic safety initiative, Toward Zero Deaths (TZD). A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.

2012 MINNESOTA ALCOHOL TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

“Traffic Safety= A Life-Long Ride” is the theme for the 38th Annual Minnesota Alcohol Traffic Safety Conference to be held April 25-27, 2012 in St. Cloud at the Holiday Inn® & Suites St. Cloud (Hwy 23 & 15 Jct.). P.O.S.T. Credits and other applicable continuing education credits are available for attending the conference, as in past years. MATSA is a non-profit organization promoting traffic safety in Minnesota. Rooms are reserved for conference attendees - make your own hotel reservations by going online or calling 320-253-9000.

Some of the highlighted speakers this year include; Sgt. Kathy Pederson, Minnesota State Patrol; Lisa Kons, Minnesota Safety Council; Riccardo Munoz, Drug and Alcohol expert from the Minnesota State Patrol; a representative from the Office of the Attorney General, a current television personality and many others. Recent past guest speakers have included Judge James Dehn, 10th Judicial District, Mad Dog Vachon, Rod Grams, Dr. Janis Amatuzio, TV News Anchor/Reporter Betsy Singer of KAAL TV; Jean Ryan, Alcohol Programs Director from the Department of Public Safety; Pat Bluth of Crow Wing County M.AD.D. as well as Fox 9’s Trish Van Pilsum and many others.

This conference will be the fourth year that Jennifer Booge has led a breakout session on Child Passenger Safety training during the conference. Persons who are CPS certified can get credits for this training as well. Conference attendees have included college students, persons in chemical/alcohol related vocations, law enforcement officers, social workers, attorneys, driver education instructors, probation officers and citizens interested in traffic safety or chemical - alcohol issues. Critiques and comments show that each year is a great conference and the April 2012 Conference should be no exception.

For more information about the conference or to register please visit www.matsa.us or call 218-547-7237. You may also email Shirley at shirley.j.smith@co.cass.mn.us. Attendees may register for one, two or all three days. The first and last days of the conference are half days. Some meals are included in the conference fees. Dress recommendation is business casual. Prospective attendees are encouraged to register as early as possible. Drawings for door prizes are held during and at the end of the conference.