Watch for traffic slowdowns as crack sealing begins July 7 in Goodhue, Steele counties

ROCHESTER, Minn. —Motorists traveling on state highways in Goodhue and Steele counties may experience traffic slowdowns beginning Monday, July 7, as crews begin crack sealing work to preserve the state’s highways, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Work begins July 7 in Goodhue County on Highway 61 followed by work on Highway 218 in Steele County and then Interstate 35 southbound in Steele County. Work should be completed by July 18, weather permitting.

Highways scheduled for the work include:

Highway 61: from Lake City to Red Wing
Highway 218: from Blooming Prairie to Highway 14
Interstate 35: southbound from south of Owatonna to Ellendale

Crews will clean out the cracked areas of pavement and then apply a sealant in the closed lane of the road. On highways 61 and 218, the work will require flaggers to stop traffic to allow oncoming traffic to drive through the work zone in the single open lane. Vehicles will take turns through the work zone at the direction of the flaggers, so short waits are expected.

One lane will be closed on southbound I-35 with one lane remaining open. No work is planned for northbound I-35.

Preservation work such as sealing cracks helps maintain and preserve the driving surface. Cracks allow water to seep into pavement and can damage roads.

Slow down and drive with caution

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.
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. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
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.

Stay connected, informed

Check out upcoming MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects.
Want to stay updated on winter driving events and emergency closures road? Sign up for our text message and email updates.

###