Bituminous projects begin Thursday in Minn.'s Renville, McLeod counties

WILLMAR, Minn. - Motorists may encounter minor delays as crews begin resurfacing highways in Renville and McLeod counties:

· Highway 22--Hutchinson to Biscay

· Highway 4--junction of Highway 19 to three miles north

· Highway 212--westbound lanes 1.5 miles west of Plato

All work will be done under traffic with flaggers and pilot cars, if necessary. The projects should be completed by Nov. 8, weather permitting.

Knife River Corporation is the contractor for the $540,000 project.

During construction and road maintenance work, Minnesota Department of Transportation urges drivers to:

• Stay alert, expect the unexpected. Be patient.

• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

• Plan ahead and expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

• Don't use cell phones while driving.

• Remember text messaging while driving is illegal.

• Follow posted speed limits; fines double in work zones.