Motorists in southeast Minnesota should be alert for lane restrictions beginning Monday as the Minnesota Department of Transportation begins bridge inspections to assist local governments.

MnDOT will inspect four Olmsted County bridges beginning Monday and three Fillmore County bridges on Tuesday as the inspection season begins. By the end of the season in the fall, MnDOT’s southeast Minnesota inspectors will have evaluated nearly 350 bridges for cities and counties and nearly 500 MnDOT bridges in its annual effort in southeast Minnesota.

A snooper truck is used during MnDOT inspections. The truck is a specialty vehicle that has a multi-jointed arm with a basket attached at the end to hold the bridge inspectors. The equipment allows the inspection team to maneuver under the bridge, while the truck is parked on the bridge deck.

Motorists should watch for lane restrictions when bridges are scheduled for inspection. Bridge inspections are scheduled this season by MnDOT for select structures maintained by Goodhue, Dodge, Wabasha, Mower and Winona counties, as well as bridges in the cities of Rochester, Red Wing and Winona.

Motorists will encounter MnDOT bridge inspectors on roads and highways in southeast Minnesota in the snooper at least through June for bridges that require the specialized equipment.

MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.