MnDOT’s planned wood pile burning at Hwy 52 near Pine Island postponed for weather
PINE ISLAND, Minn. — The planned wood pile burning on Highway 52 between Pine Island and Oronoco is postponed as the Minnesota Department of Transportation monitors weather for better conditions.
The work was scheduled for Monday, March 17, but windy conditions and possible wet winter weather, has prompted MnDOT to postpone the work. MnDOT will announce a new date soon when it crews plan to burn wood piles to dispose of dead and diseased trees, and other wood debris.
When the burning starts, motorists will encounter signs as they approach the burn area warning of the potential of smoke along Highway 52 near Exit 68, the Elk Run interchange. Wood from tree cutting and trimming work is in a contained area east of Highway 52 northbound at Exit 68 on MnDOT right of way.
MnDOT has a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources burn permit to do the work and will select days for burning when the conditions are suitable for safety, including weather conditions, wind speeds and direction. Law enforcement and local fire departments will also be alerted for awareness of MnDOT’s activities. MnDOT has used this method at other sites in the southeast Minnesota district.
Maintenance crew members will be monitoring the burning operation to ensure that it is regularly fueled and observed for safety.
Safety
Drivers traveling too fast and not paying attention are the main causes of work zone crashes. Follow these safe driving tips:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating – while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
- Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures, narrower lanes, moving workers and vehicles.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
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