Highway 2 bridges slated for numerous repairs this month

BEMIDJI - Motorists will encounter reduced speeds, lane closures and temporary median crossovers when the Minnesota Department of Transportation begins repairs this week on several bridges on the U.S. Highway 2 bypass in Bemidji.

Work on the following bridges is planned:

- Carr Lake Road Southwest over Highway 2. The bridge will be closed for nearly three weeks, starting on or about Tuesday. Traffic will be detoured to County Road 401 (Monroe Avenue South).

- Jefferson Avenue South/County Road 11 over Highway 2. Traffic will be restricted temporarily to one lane starting Tuesday. Work is expected to last until May 25. Motorists using Jefferson Avenue are urged to reduce speeds and be alert to workers and equipment on the bridge. When the work on Carr Lake Road Southwest is complete and open for traffic, both lanes of the bridge on Jefferson Avenue Southwest will be closed until June 20.

- East and westbound lanes of Highway 2 crossing the Mississippi River

- East and westbound lanes of Highway 2 crossing the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail tracks on the east end of the bypass.

The projects will have lane closures and temporary crossovers in place between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The crossovers will allow traffic to continue using the bypass but will be restricted to one lane in each direction with reduced speed.

Work schedules could change due to weather and other factors. The bridge work is scheduled to be complete Aug. 1.

For statewide construction and road condition information, visit www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1.