Slow down, move over as MnDOT begins SE Minnesota bridge inspections
ROCHESTER, Minn. Motorists in southeast Minnesota should be alert and move over on the highways for Minnesota Department of Transportation bridge inspectors who are beginning their season April 6 to evaluate approximately 1,000 bridges.
MnDOT bridge inspectors in southeast Minnesota's 11-county District 6 will evaluate approximately 550 structures for MnDOT and 450 bridges for cities and counties during this season. The inspections are routine to ensure safety and monitor the effects of traffic, weather, and other elements on the structure.
The first inspections began in Olmsted County on Monday, April 6.
MnDOT inspectors will be using a snooper truck and other equipment in April to evaluate approximately 30 bridges in Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha and Mower counties. The bridges have high vertical heights or span areas that make it difficult to inspect it underneath. A snooper truck is a specialty vehicle that has a multi-jointed arm with a basket attached at the end to hold the bridge inspectors. The equipment allows the inspection team to maneuver under the bridge while the truck is parked on the bridge deck. Motorists should be alert for lane closures or flaggers who may briefly stop traffic when bridges are scheduled for inspection.
Inspections with the snooper truck and other equipment start the season and continue into May.
MnDOT will be inspecting southeast Minnesota Mississippi River bridges in June – in Wabasha (Highway 60) and Winona (Highway 43) – as part of regular, scheduled reviews of these bridges. MnDOT will announce dates closer to the time of inspection.
Safety in work zones
The two main safety issues in work zones are speed and distraction.
We’re all in the work zone together. As you navigate work zones always:
- Slow down
- Put away your cell phone and other distractions
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or download the free 511mn app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Do the zipper merge.
- 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.
Learn more about construction work zone safety tips.
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