Traffic delays expected June 3-4 during inspection of Wabasha bridge over Mississippi River
WABASHA, Minn. — Highway 60 motorists crossing the Mississippi River in Wabasha will encounter lane closures and brief traffic delays June 3-4 as crews inspect the bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The inspection of the Highway 60 Wabasha bridge, the Michael Duane Clickner Memorial Bridge, will begin June 3 and is expected to end June 4. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Flaggers will briefly stop traffic in one direction to allow vehicles traveling in the opposite direction to cross. Once they’ve crossed, vehicles in the other direction will be allowed to pass. Motorists should expect traffic delays during the daytime inspection process.
This annual inspection evaluates safety and monitors the effects of traffic, weather and other elements on the structure. If weather affects the inspection work, crews will return the week of June 15 to complete the work.
Crews will use a snooper truck (YouTube). This is used for bridge inspections that have high vertical heights or span areas that make it difficult to inspect it underneath. A snooper truck is a specialty vehicle that has a multi-jointed arm with a basket attached at the end to hold the bridge inspectors. The equipment allows the inspection team to maneuver under the bridge, while the truck is parked on the bridge deck
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones, including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones and mobile devices, adjusting the radio or 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 get the free 511mn smartphone 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.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
- Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota.
- Search job openings at the Minnesota Management and Budget website and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.
- Sign up to receive emails about traffic safety.
###