Mississippi River bridge inspections in Wabasha and Winona begin in June
WABASHA, Minn. — Motorists crossing over the Mississippi River in Wabasha and Winona will encounter lane closures as crews inspect the bridges in June, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The inspection evaluates safety and monitors the effects of traffic, weather and other elements on the structure. The details about the inspection are as follow:
- The Highway 60 Wabasha bridge inspection is scheduled to occur June 3-6. 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. Short traffic delays are expected.
- The Highway 43 eastbound Winona bridge inspection is scheduled to occur June 10-18. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane. There is a possibility that the westbound bridge may be inspected as well.
Crews will use a snooper truck. 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. Motorists should watch for lane closures when bridges are scheduled for inspection.
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, 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 www.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.
- Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us on MnDOT Southeast on X.
- 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.
- Find road updates in Minnesota on 511mn.org or get a free app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Interested in a job with MnDOT? Career information for the State of Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Come join us.
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