Helping businesses during construction

• Construction takes time and patience.
• Delays can happen, but we work hard to keep projects on track.
• Prepare now so your business is ready when the project is complete.

• Connect with other businesses and local groups.
• Chambers of commerce and business associations can help organize meetings.

Why teamwork helps

• Businesses can do more together than alone.
• Share ideas and resources.
• Save time and money.

• A leader can speak for your group.
• They share concerns with us and pass along updates.
• Sometimes, a smaller team represents businesses most affected by the project.

• Go to public meetings and talk with us.
• Choose a contact person for your business group to share updates and questions.
• Keep your customers informed about how to reach your business.
• Sign up for project updates and share them with other business owners and customers.
• Use the resources we provide—share anything we send you.
• Work with other businesses to solve common problems together.
• Share what you learn with other business owners to help the whole community.
• Invite us to speak at your business group meetings.
• Help delivery drivers and suppliers find new routes to your business.

• Be flexible—things can change quickly.
• Contact the contractor right away if something goes wrong.
• Watch for traffic updates and plan ahead, especially during busy times.
• Let people know you’re open. Use signs, social media, and other ways to spread the word.
• Plan routes for delivery vehicles to avoid the work zone or schedule deliveries during less busy times.
• Consider delivering products to customers instead of having them come to you.
• Use simple maps to show customers the best way to reach your business. Post them on doors, social media, and mailings.
• Help out-of-town customers who may not know local roads.
• Use construction time to your advantage—remodel or make changes if possible.

• Let your customers know the project is finished and invite them back.
• Share the good news about improvements—better safety, easier travel, nicer sidewalks.
• Host a special event like a ribbon-cutting or celebration with other businesses.
• Tell us how it went:
  • What worked well?
  • What could be better?
  • Did our communication help?
  • Were businesses able to plan around construction?

Yes, AREA NAME is under construction, but our doors are open! We're here and ready to serve you.
We know the road work might make your journey a bit more challenging, but we appreciate your continued support during this time. Here's how to reach us:

• Give us a call at [PHONE] for personalized directions
• Check 511mn.org for current closures
• Visit the MnDOT project webpage to sign up for email updates: WEBSITE HERE
• Use side streets to park and access businesses in LOCATION closure areas

Thank you for making the extra effort to support local businesses like ours during this improvement project. We're grateful for our amazing community.

WE'RE OPEN during PROJECT NAME construction! Road work is happening, but we're still here for you.

• Check 511mn.org for current closures
• Sign up on our website for updates
• Use side streets to access Arcade St.

Thanks for your support!

Stay safe in work zones

• Look before you cross.
• Make eye contact with drivers so they know you want to cross.
• Use crosswalks or intersections to cross the street.
• Watch out for cars that are turning or passing.
• Check all lanes to make sure no cars are coming.
• Wear bright or reflective clothes at night so drivers can see you.
• Take off headphones and don’t use your phone while crossing.

Encourage your employees to model good behavior in a work zone

• Stop for people crossing the street at all intersections—even if there’s no crosswalk or stoplight.
• Leave space between your car and the pedestrian when you stop.
• Look in all directions for people before driving through a crosswalk.
• Watch the road and sidewalks ahead for anyone walking.
• Check behind your car before backing up.
• Look out for people in wheelchairs or scooters—they might be harder to see.
• Avoid distractions. Put your phone away while driving.

Sometimes it looks like nothing is happening, but there are reasons:

• Bad weather
• Worker schedules
• Waiting for materials

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your project contact.

We’ll always make sure people can get to local businesses. It’s important to talk with MnDOT early to figure out what kind of access your business needs during construction. You can also help your customers find the best way to reach you.

The road being worked on can still be used for business access during construction, but “through traffic” (spelled as “thru traffic” on signs in the field) will be detoured elsewhere.

Businesses will be told ahead of time if there might be short-term access changes. Once construction starts, you’ll have a contact person who will give you regular updates.

Detour signs

• Detour signs guide drivers around the work zone.
• We keep detours short, safe, and easy to follow.
• Roads on detour routes are checked for all vehicles, including large trucks.

Business signs

• We don’t list individual businesses on detour signs.
• We do guide drivers to business areas.

Traffic limits

• Sometimes local traffic is restricted because of heavy equipment in the work zone.
• If traffic is high, the contractor may hire flaggers to keep cars and equipment safe.

Why it matters

• More traffic means more risk of crashes, higher costs, and delays for everyone.

Navigation apps

• Apps often choose the fastest route, not the official detour.
• We don’t control those apps or their routes.
• We control what’s shown on:
  • Road signs
  • Media
  • 511mn.org
  • Our project websites

• We can’t use trunk highway funds for business promotions.
• In rare cases, elected officials may find other funding sources.
• Check these organizations for support:
  • Small Business Development Center
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • DEED

• We’ll keep you informed before and during the project.
• Before construction starts:
  • We share information and ask for feedback.
• During construction:
  • We or your business contact will give regular updates.
• Questions? Contact our communications team.

Some towns work with artists to share information and attract customers. Some examples:

• Hand-drawn maps
• Signs
• Social media posts

Ask your city, chamber of commerce, business groups, or arts organizations about options.

We may allow cities to donate artwork or care for empty land through programs.