This week, I met with officials from the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s District 6 office to get an update on some area road and bridge projects. Many of these routes are in serious disrepair, and I’m often asked what’s being done about these problems at the state level.

Thanks to a combination of federal funds, responsible budget management and other state revenue, MnDOT is finally able to begin construction on some of these desperately needed projects this summer. Below is a list of some of the major improvements you will start to see once the construction season begins this spring.

First up is Minnesota Highway 13 in Freeborn County. From July through September, the department will be pouring bituminous mill and overlay on the road from Interstate 90 to state Highway 30, about a 15-mile stretch. They expect daily land closures to occur, with a short-term detour in effect while culverts are being replaced.

Minnesota Highway 56 in Mower County also is scheduled for upgrades. Bituminous mill and overlay will be poured from Brownsdale’s southern border to Dodge County Road 10, a 19-mile stretch. That project is expected to last from May to August, with daily lane closures and a probable one-week detour during culvert replacement. Highway 56 actually will be closed completely in Dodge County from County Road 34 to West Concord to account for another six-mile stretch of construction occurring at the same time.

Also on the books is preventative maintenance on Interstate 90 from Mower County Road 19 to state Highway 16. Among the improvements are concrete pavement rehabilitation on westbound lands, shoulder replacement on westbound lanes and all ramps within the project limits. This includes about an eight-mile stretch of I-90 and will be taking place from July through September. The department expects some long-term lane closures to occur as a result of the project.

The bridge over Woodbury Creek, just north of the Iowa border on state Highway 105, is scheduled to be replaced between May and August this year. Since this will require the old bridge to be out of commission, a detour route will be in effect on County Road 6, U.S. Highway 218 and, in Iowa, County Roads A19 and S70.

A four-gate railroad crossing system will be installed on Highway 218 in Austin. The construction dates for this project are indefinite right now, but daily lane closures are expected.

There are several other projects that will be taking place throughout the area. For instance, lights will be installed at multiple rural intersections throughout MnDOT District 6, which covers Southeast Minnesota. Signs will be updated, pedestrian ramps improved, and pavement cracks will be sealed throughout the area.

It’s difficult to think about the construction season in the middle of winter but, undoubtedly, it will be here sooner than we think. I hope you find it helpful to have an idea of what projects lay ahead so you can adjust your travel and commuting plans accordingly.

On the subject of local projects, there are several at stake in the bonding bill, which is in limbo at the Capitol at the time I am writing this column. We are working hard to find a compromise with the governor so we can get this bill signed — not only does it mean projects for our area, but it means thousands of new jobs statewide at a time when we need it most.

As always, please don’t hesitate to share your comments with me. You may reach me at sen.dan.sparks@senate.mn; (651) 296-9248; or Room 317 State Capitol, St. Paul, MN 55155.

Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, is the state senator for District 27.