MnDOT: Fewer Construction Projects In Store For 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It is time for Minnesotans to head back into the cone zone.

Road construction season is here, and MnDOT has lots of projects it hopes to start or complete in 2016.

"A bulk of the projects we're announcing today are really to maintain our existing system," MnDOT Commissioner Charles Zelle said. "It is really trying to catch up with the deterioration that happens with aging pavements and aging bridges."

MnDOT crews and contractors will replaces bridges, add new lanes and resurface pavement on roadways all across the state.

Budget concerns mean crews this year will have less work to do than in 2015.

"Today we are announcing a 2016 program with 14 fewer projects than last year, spending $70 million less than last year," Lt. Gov. Tina Smith said.

She says our needs continue to outstrip our resources. Smith and others are urging lawmakers to use money from the state surplus for roads.

"There's enough there to make a deal," Zelle said.

Some of the projects could impact drivers during their commute. Work near Interstate 494 in Maple Grove will cut traffic down to two lanes in each direction.

And crews will finish replacing some of the oldest bridges in the state on Highway 100 near St. Louis Park and Edina.

MnDOT wants a safe construction season and hopes drivers will do their part to help out.

"Let's give them the room to get their work done and work done safely, and just remember that 'orange cones, no phones,'" MnDOT Division Director Michael Barnes said.

Click here more information about 2016 road construction projects.