District 2 Overview

Safety

MnDOT District 2 continues to place safety as the top priority in maintaining and monitoring its transportation system. Emphasis has been placed on replacing fracture-critical bridges and on projects that will provide additional turn and bypass lanes, wider shoulders, improved reflectivity and accessibility. In 2011, the district improved lighting at 21 intersections and in 2012 will stripe 6” edge lines along various roadways at 22 locations. These improvements were prioritized based on crash history and/or traffic volumes.

Mobility

MnDOT District 2 strives to meet the transportation needs of its customers who rely on public transportation. The district works closely with public transit providers to help improve the movement of people throughout the district, thereby enhancing customer access to medical appointments and other needs related to their economic well-being. These transit services provide a low cost option and maximize the efficiency of our transportation network.

Innovation

MnDOT District 2 seeks partnership opportunities that foster collaboration on projects that benefit users of the transportation network. All the lands of the Red Lake Nation and portions of the Leech Lake and White Earth reservations lie within the boundaries of District 2. This creates some unique challenges and opportunities for the district due to varying state, federal and tribal regulations. District 2 coordinates closely with tribal representatives to consider tribal transportation needs and potential opportunities to collaborate on funding. District 2 is currently in partnership with the Red Lake Nation to remove an old bridge and dam on Highway 1 on the east side of the reservation. This partnership allows the state to build a new bridge on the highway and the Red Lake Department of Natural Resources an opportunity to conduct a stream restoration project at the site. Preliminary work started in 2011 and the new bridge will be constructed in 2012.

Leadership

MnDOT District 2 emphasizes and encourages leadership among its employees by supporting and providing opportunities for involvement in activities, committees and projects both internally and externally. Demonstrating community involvement and support is extremely important to show the value we place on our customers.

Transparency

Building public trust is important to MnDOT District 2. Employees are all regarded as MnDOT ambassadors and as such, are required to be positive and professional when dealing with the public. When information is requested, a timely response is provided. Employees often go “above and beyond” in providing the public with responses to their questions and concerns and in helping them understand MnDOT's decision-making processes. Employees regularly appear as guest speakers at community and school events and conduct tours and demonstrations. MnDOT’s strategic directions are always incorporated into these presentations.