News Release

Roseville, Minn.—Replacement of outdated twisted-end guardrail ends in Hennepin and Ramsey counties begins Monday, Nov. 10, on Highway 100 at the I-494 bridge in Bloomington. Guardrail ends will be upgraded at numerous locations along Highways 36, 100, 169 and 280, and Interstates 94, 394 and 694 in the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brooklyn Park, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Edina, Brooklyn Center, Fridley and New Brighton.

Motorists should watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures during daylight hours as crews remove and replace the guardrail ends.

Twisted end guardrails, which run parallel to the roadway and then angle into the ground, are being replaced statewide by newer technology. The new guardrail ends are straight with an energy absorbing end to lessen the severity of motor vehicle crashes. The Minnesota Department of Transportation sought special funding and plans to replace all 4,421 twisted-end guardrails in Minnesota by 2012.

Weather permitting, the first stage of the replacement project will be completed in spring 2004. Additional locations will be upgraded during future projects.

Mn/DOT urges motorists always to drive with caution and reminds them to SLOW DOWN in work zones and NEVER enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. For updated statewide traffic, construction and travel information visit www.511mn.org.

See ORANGE.

We’re in the WORK ZONE Together

###