WILLMAR -- About $30 million in road construction projects are planned for southwestern Minnesota this summer.
The projects in District 8 of the Minnesota Department of Transportation include new road surfaces, major reconstruction, bridge replacement and landscaping and planting. District 8 includes the counties of Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood Falls, Renville and Yellow Medicine.
The majority of projects will be constructed under traffic, but motorists should expect some delays and drive with caution through work zones, according to MnDOT.
The following are projects scheduled for the Willmar area:
* Landscaping and plantings on state Highway 23 from the junction of U.S. Highway 71 to north of New London. The project is expected to start in mid-April and will cost $354,970. It will have no impact on traffic.
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* New overlay on state Highway 7 from just east of Highway 23 to the junction of Highway 71. The project will start in July and will cost $761,725. There will be minor traffic delays.
* Mill and overlay work on state Highway 40 from the north junction of U.S. Highway 75 in Madison to the junction of state Highway 119, and Highway 75 from the north junction in Madison to Eighth Street. The project is expected to start in July and will cost $702,262. There will be minor traffic delays.
Up-to-date construction and weather reports are available by dialing 5-1-1 or at www.511mn.org .
MnDOT urges motorists to follow these recommendations in work zones:
* Stay alert and observe signs.
* Watch for signs and work zone flaggers.
* Use alternative routes when possible.
* Minimize distractions such as using cell phones, eating or drinking.
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* Drive the speed limit. Fines double in work zones.
* Watch for workers, equipment and control devices.
* Follow vehicles at a safe distance.
* Expect the unexpected.
