The road construction season in the Brainerd area is kicking into high gear. Really high gear, and the driving public's collective patiences are about to be tested.
Reconstruction of South Sixth Street in Brainerd and Excelsior Road west of Highway 371 in Baxter are already underway. Now comes the six-week closure of Excelsior Road east of Highway 371 where it meets Cypress Drive near Super One Foods, along with overnight lane closures on Highway 210 at Cypress Drive-all part of the Cypress Drive improvement project led by the city of Baxter.
Not to mention work being done on College Road in Baxter, Crow Wing County Road 3 near Merrifield, Highway 169 near Garrison, Highway 6 in Emily and the myriad smaller projects being done throughout the county and area.
Did we miss any? Probably, but trying to keep track of the road projects this summer has us driving in circles.
The timing of so many projects at once-especially on the main thoroughfares of Brainerd and Baxter-may seem ill advised, but they're happening and motorists should pay attention to their local newspaper for road closures, plan ahead and stay calm.
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The Minnesota Department of Transportation offers these helpful tips when traveling through construction zones:
• Slow down and drive with caution.
• Stay alert, especially at night.
• Stay off cellphones and mobile devices.
• Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300.
• Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures or moving workers and vehicles.
• Don't make unnecessary lane changes.
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• Do the zipper merge.
• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Road construction can't last forever. It's important that we, as the motoring public, show our fellow drivers-and those working on the projects-courtesy and respect. We'll endure the pain of it together and when the projects are completed, driving through this area will be that much better.
Safe and relaxing travels everyone-at least until the 2019 road construction season starts.
