Road Weather Information Systems to be installed in southeast Minnesota
Beginning June 21, motorists traveling in southeast Minnesota can expect short-term lane closures as Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) stations are installed at six different locations.
The six locations in Steele, Goodhue, Wabasha, Mower and Houston counties include:
- Interstate 35 near Medford at Milepost (MP) 52.1
- Hwy 52 near Zumbrota at MP 73.9
- Hwy 63 near Lake City at MP 62.9
- Hwy 218 near Lyle at MP 4
- Hwy 63 near the Iowa border at MP 0.5
- Interstate 90 near La Crescent at MP 276.4
No detours are required for this project; work will be completed under traffic with flagging operations when lane closures are required for everyone’s safety.
RWIS is an environmental sensor station in the field that is used to collect weather data such as atmospheric parameters, pavement conditions, and visibility. MnDOT uses the information gathered as well as the camera images for maintenance decision support. The information is also sent to the National Weather Service as well as Minnesota’s 511 system. There are currently 125 RWIS systems throughout Minnesota, with an additional 36 systems to be added throughout the state by December 2022.
In addition to the installation of new stations in southeast Minnesota during 2021, there will also be new stations installed in the south central, southwest and metro areas. The entire project cost is $1.5 million and is scheduled to be complete by mid-September. The contractor is Design Electric.
Watch for orange cones on this project
MnDOT asks that travelers always drive with caution, and reminds everyone to:
- Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate through with care
- Stay alert; work zones constantly change
- Watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Obey posted speed limits; fine for a work zone violation is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
For more information on 2021 Construction projects in southeast Minnesota, visit www.mndot.gov/d6/projects.html.