News Release

(Roseville, Minn.) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) will begin construction on Highway 61 between I-494 in Newport and Carver Avenue in St. Paul beginning Monday, September 23, 2002.

Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures on northbound and southbound Highway 61 in this area until late October. Lane closures are not allowed on the northbound highway between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or on the southbound highway between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lane closure will occur at other times including weekends in this area.

The construction will temporarily widen the existing northbound Highway 61 roadway so two lanes of traffic in each direction can be maintained on the northbound side of Highway 61.

Southbound traffic will be moved to the northbound side of Highway 61 in late October. This traffic shift will allow for the construction of the permanent southbound lanes of Highway 61.

The timing and duration of these closures are subject to weather conditions and unanticipated changes relative to the project.

Mn/DOT urges motorists to drive with caution, reminding them to SLOW DOWN in the work zone and NEVER enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones.

For updated traffic information, weather-related road conditions, construction, and congestion information, in the Twin Cities metro area, dial 511 or log onto 511mn.org.

# # #