Several southwest Minnesota hwys will receive new signs starting April 22
WILLMAR, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is replacing signs along several state highways in southwest Minnesota beginning April 22. Weather permitting, the project will conclude August 30.
Crews will replace signs along the following state highways:
- Highway 4 from Highway 19 in Renville County to Highway 55 in Meeker County
- Highway 71 from the south junction with Highway 23 in Kandiyohi County to Highway 55 in Stearns County
- Highway 75 from Pipestone County Road 9 to Highway 7 in Big Stone County (includes Pipestone, Lincoln, Yellow Medicine, Lac Qui Parle, Big Stone counties)
- Highway 119 from Highway 212 to Highway 40 in Lac Qui Parle County
Traffic impacts
The signing crew is a moving operation. Drivers may encounter temporary shoulder and lane closures with flagging operations, as well as equipment entering and exiting the roadway. MnDOT encourages travelers to always drive with caution and to slow down in project areas for their safety and the safety of workers.
Project summary
MnDOT replaces traffic signs on a 15-year cycle to maximize efficiency. District 8 in southwest Minnesota has 32,000 signs and approximately 2,100 signs are replaced each year.
Many signs are more than 30 years old and no longer meet regulations regarding weight and measure. The public will notice that old and new signs may be in place simultaneously as the installation crew works ahead of the removal crew. Old signs are not immediately removed for safety reasons.
Benefits of the project include compliance with signing standards and enhanced safety. Safety Signs is the contractor, and the project cost is $1,105,442.
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