While the Independence Day (4th of July) holiday might not technically fall in the middle part of the summer season, to many and for many reasons, it represents the peak of the driving and tourist season.  Partner that with the high-volume of summer road construction projects that are usually in full swing at that point of the season and it has the potential for problems.

The Summer 2021 road construction season has been a busy one - especially in the Northland. Four major road projects are currently underway in the Arrowhead region.

As drivers get set to hit the roads this holiday weekend and with forecasts for warm (and sunny!) weather over the 4th of July, officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation are urging drivers to "slow down, plan ahead, and 'keep cool' while driving through [any of the active] work zones" throughout the state.  That advice also applies to our home district.

According to details released by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, more than 200 projects will be underway on state roads during the Independence Day weekend.  While most of the work will be suspended over the 4th of July holiday, the actual work zones will remain in place for most of those projects.  MNDOT reminds drivers to plan their routes ahead of time and to allow for extra travel time to get to their destinations.  The state agency offers an efficient website to provide real-time information about summer road construction projects and the traffic impacts that they will provide; visit www.511mn.org to see maps, resources, and to help plan out potential alternative routes.

Almost every work zone incorporates a reduced speed limit.  MNDOT reminds drivers that fines increase for violations within road construction projects.  The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.

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No matter what your destination is over the 4th of July weekend, you'll more-than-likely encounter a road construction project.  That's true locally too.  Here's a look at the four major active work zones in the Arrowhead:

For a more-complete look at these projects or any of the work coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, click here to visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation's website.

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