Latest news with #roadconstruction
CBS News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
MnDOT answers your summer road construction questions
Minnesotans say there are two seasons in the state: winter and road construction. This year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has more summer projects, and motorists are weighing in with their displeasure on social media and to some lawmakers. All the delays have many wondering if MnDOT could handle these projects differently. One big question: Why are there often only a few workers — if any — on construction sites? Anne Meyer with MnDOT says it depends on the stage of that project. "There is a lot of work that can't necessarily happen all at once. Things need to settle, we need to test things to make sure that it's the right projects that we are paying for," said Meyer. She said work happens in a limited window due to weather. "Here in Minnesota, weather does impact when we can start construction and when we can end construction, and sometimes dictates what we can do in between," she said. Lawmakers are also asking questions about the flood of construction projects, including Republican state Rep. Andrew Myers, who represents the western suburbs. He wrote a letter to state transportation commissioner Nancy Daubenberger expressing concern, and asking why work isn't being done 24 hours a day on some sites. "We do have maintenance crews that are out there ready to work 24/7 a day, but that can be more challenging on a project," said Meyer. "Certainly, the costs go up. Certainly, the safety factor is another area." MnDOT encourages drivers to visit their website or use the MN511 app for the latest on construction projects and road conditions.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
President Mahama unveils major road infrastructure boost for Western North Region under ‘Big Push'
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government's commitment to developing vital infrastructure, announcing the launch of extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the Western North Region. This will be carried out under his flagship 'Big Push Infrastructure Programme', a $10 billion initiative aimed at significantly improving national connectivity and economic development. Addressing a durbar of enthusiastic chiefs and people in Juaboso, as part of his ongoing nationwide 'Thank You Tour', President Mahama directly responded to a heartfelt appeal from the Western North Regional House of Chiefs. The Chiefs had passionately articulated the pressing need for improved road networks, emphasising that their overwhelming support for him and the NDC in the 2024 elections was a clear demonstration of their profound trust in his leadership. 'I have heard your concerns about the roads connecting our farming communities and our markets,' President Mahama stated, acknowledging the region's vital role in the national economy. 'These roads are crucial arteries for moving cocoa, timber, food products, and people across our country. They are not a luxury; they are a fundamental necessity.' The President assured the gathering that many of these crucial arteries, including vital cocoa roads that had previously experienced delays, will now undergo accelerated completion and new development as part of the ambitious 'Big Push' Programme. 'I assure you that these critical projects have been fully captured under our transformative $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme,' he reiterated. Detailing the scope of this unprecedented commitment, President Mahama explained, 'The 'Big Push' is a strategic commitment to inject at least $2 billion annually into infrastructure development, with its rollout commencing robustly in the 2025 national budget.' He further added, 'We are dedicating substantial resources and deploying expert technical teams to ensure these roads are completed on schedule, transforming the landscape for our farmers, traders, and communities across the Western North Region.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Major reconstruction projects to close busy Kitchener roads
Construction is expected on Victoria Street starting in July and ending in November. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) Road construction season is well underway in the City of Kitchener. Crews have started work on one project, while another is set to start next week. Victoria Street Victoria Street, between Lawrence Avenue and Fischer-Hallman Road, will shut down on Wednesday, July 23. It's not set to reopen until November. The city said improvements will be made to that stretch of Victoria Street, including: Separated bike lanes and sidewalk replacement between Lawrence Avenue and Westmount Road Multi-use paths from Fischer-Hallman Road to Westmount Road Pedestrian refuge islands and traffic medians Upgrades to traffic signals, transit stops, shelters and lighting Replacing and upsizing storm sewers and underground infrastructure New asphalt pavement Phase two of the project is set to begin in 2026. The city said construction work will be done on Victoria Street from Fischer-Hallman Road to Lawrence Avenue. Drivers can find the planned detour on the city's website. detour victoria street Construction is expected on Victoria Street starting in July and ending in November. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) Ottawa Street Ottawa Street has already closed between Westmount Road and Pinedale Drive for another improvement project. Construction began in April and is set to wrap in November. The city said the work will include: Reconstructed the intersection to be more pedestrian and cyclist friendly including shortening the distance of crossings, added pedestrian islands and raised the crosswalk on the right-turn lane going into Sunrise Plaza. Added multi-use paths on Ottawa Street Upgraded underground infrastructure including new electrical, water main and storm sewers Reconfigured the right-turn lane from Fischer-Hallman to Ottawa so all drivers now yield to oncoming traffic and then merge One nearby business said it's already feeling the impact of the construction. Mel's Diner typically fills 40 tables on a Wednesday morning – but not this week. 'We understand it is a lot of traffic, it's a lot of detours,' said server Danielle Linton. 'It's harder even coming into work. It takes even longer, so we understand, but it has affected us quite a bit… for example, I started at 9 a.m. and I've only had four tables, so it's definitely slowed down.' The restaurant, located at Ottawa and Westmount, is still accessible to traffic. More details on the project can be found on the city's website.
CBC
7 days ago
- General
- CBC
It's grind and patch season in St. John's. Here's what goes into road rehab
With road construction well underway across the St. John's region, navigating can sometimes feel like an obstacle course. But what goes into the decision of what roads get worked on, and why does the City of St. John's take a grind and patch approach to fixing roads? We asked Mark White, the city's manager of construction engineering.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
Oakland County construction closures at 12 Mile and Inkster moving into next phase
The north half of the 12 Mile Road and Inkster Road intersection is ready to reopen, the Road Commission for Oakland County announced Tuesday. The south half, however, will close early in September to continue a reconstruction of the intersection. In this ongoing 12 Mile Road resurfacing project from Inkster Road to Autumn Ridge, eastbound 12 Mile Road will be closed to traffic from Middlebelt Road to Inkster Road. During the south closure, there will be a detour from 12 Mile Road to Middlebelt Road south to 11 Mile Road, back to Inkster Road. Those who are traveling northbound will be detoured from Inkster Road to 11 Mile Road to Middlebelt Road to 13 Mile Road, to Northwestern Highway and back to Inkster Road. Westbound 12 Mile Road from Inkster Road to Middlebelt Road will remain open. However, the westbound traffic coming from the east will not be able to turn left onto Inkster Road to go south. 12 Mile Road will also be inaccessible to Inkster Road traffic coming south of the intersection. Southbound Inkster Road drivers will be able to turn eastbound or westbound on 12 Mile Road during the work. The entire project is estimated to be finished by October. The 12 Mile Road and Inkster Road intersection sees a traffic count of about 26,000 vehicles a day. A recap of the project is at the Road Commission for Oakland County website.
