Here are the laws for work zones in Minnesota you need to know as we enter construction season
Drive anywhere in the metro and you'll see that construction season is well underway. That means more orange barrels, traffic delays and increased danger for both drivers and road workers.
"They always say there's construction season and winter season. We only have two seasons," rideshare driver Abdi Geele said.
With road work back in full swing, enforcement of work zone laws is increasing, too.
"Work zones can be as small as a work vehicle on the side of the road with their rotating beacon on, right," Michelle Moser, a Minnesota Department of Transportation work zone engineer, said.
Moser says speeding continues to be the biggest issue.
"The more speed there is, the less time to react for everybody — for the driver, for the worker," Moser said.
There is a $300 fine for speeding in a work zone, which is just one of several laws designed to protect workers and drivers.
"We do have a flagger law that allows a flagger to control traffic first and foremost, and then also to report violations if they see them up to four hours after they see them," Moser said.
Drivers are also required to move over a lane for emergency or work vehicles, or slow down significantly if they can't.
"Give them that extra space for working and so that they can kind of have a clear visual to what's going on around them while they work on what they're doing," Moser said.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation also says to avoid unnecessary lane changes and follow posted signs, and when it comes to merging, pay attention to zipper merge zones.
"I always say, 'Resist the urge to merge early.' When you see the zipper merge sign, you really stick to your lane. Slow down, let people in. It's meant to work like a zipper, take turns," Moser said.
Most work zone crashes are caused by speeding and distracted driving, according to the Department of Transportation. While construction might slow you down, being patient can save lives.
"Slow down, put your phone down, pay attention and give everybody safe," Moser said.
You can stay updated on traffic and road conditions online or by downloading the free Minnesota 511 app.
