News Release

(Roseville, Minn.) — Repairs and resurfacing of three bridges spanning the Crow River near Rogers and St. Michael begin Monday, July 18. The project to repair and resurface the east and westbound Interstate 94 bridges near St. Michael and the northbound Hwy. 101 bridge at Rogers was originally slated to begin in early July, but a delay in getting necessary materials led to a two-week delayed start.

As the project begins on Monday, July 18, motorists will encounter single lane traffic on both directions of I-94 crossing the Crow River for 12 calendar days. During the same time, the ramp from Hwy. 241 to eastbound I-94 will close.

Once repairs and resurfacing are completed on the outside lanes of the interstate bridges in late July, I-94 will reopen for two lanes of traffic in each direction during work on the inside lanes and shoulder of the bridges through mid-August. The ramp from Hwy. 241 to eastbound I-94 will remain closed for safety reasons until completion of the interstate work in mid- August. During the interstate phase of the project, motorists can use Hwy. 10, Hwy. 12, Hwy. 55 or Hwy. 169 to avoid the construction area.

In mid August, crews will move to the northbound Hwy. 101 bridge. Traffic will then be restricted to a single northbound lane during repairs and resurfacing until early September.

Mn/DOT's construction plan requires work to be completed before the Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. Once the project is completed, the contractor could earn extra money for early completion, but if the work is not completed on time, the contractor will be charged for each day they do not meet their set deadline.

Concern for the effects of work on traffic using this main route between the Twin Cities, North Dakota and Wisconsin led Mn/DOT to use some innovate contract management, including an A + B contract and substantial incentives or penalties for completion of work. When road construction is bid as an A + B contract, contractors who bid the work submit a proposal that includes both cost and time to complete the project. The successful bidder is chosen based on the amount of their bid and the time they commit to completion.

Other innovate techniques used to lessen traffic congestion during this work include use of a dynamic late merge system, Highway Advisory Radio and a mobile traffic advisory system. The dynamic lane merge system uses traffic monitoring equipment and signs to advise motorists when to merge when approaching a construction zone with a lane closure. During periods of light traffic, drivers are urged to merge sooner into the lane that will remain open. In heavy traffic, drivers are advised to use both lanes and take turns merging as they approach the lanes that remain open.

Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) provides motorists with more detailed and up-to-date information about road construction prior to the project start and as work is underway. Motorists are urged to tune their radios to 1610 AM near a project area to reach the information.

Travel times will be displayed on electronic message signs along Interstate 94 and on Highway 10 and I-494 to allow drivers to use alternate routes during times of heavy congestion. Sensors in the roadway will monitor traffic volume and speeds to provide the travel time information.

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to SLOW DOWN in the work zone and NEVER enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. Please join us in a safety partnership. For statewide traffic, construction and travel information visit www.511mn.org or call 511.

 

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