Bad Week to Travel the Western Metro

This wee the western metro isn't the best place to drive. It is a hassle, but the reality is, that a better road will make the trip easier come fall and winter. The unfortunate sight, is to see the number of collisions that slow things down even before the construction zone.

There are cones, big signs, electric notices and state workers out there in orange vests. But still, people drive to fast and continue to not pay attention as they call and suffer from, as my fellow writer from Oklahoma Noble McIntyre describes, driving inTEXTicated .

This weekend there will be major shutdowns between Minneapolis and Bloomington along 94 and 494 From the Minneapolis Tribune:

Some Minneapolis-area road work to be aware of this week:

• The loop ramp from northbound Hwy. 169 to westbound Interestate 494 will close for reconstruction at 10 p.m. Tuesday. The ramp will reopen by 6 a.m. Wednesday.

• Interstate 94 between Plymouth and 26th Avenues N. in Minneapolis will be closed overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. Ramps in the area will begin closing at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and both directions of I-94 will close at 1 a.m. Thursday. During the full closing, motorists are advised to follow posted detours. The road and all ramps will reopen by 5 a.m. Thursday.

• Eastbound Hwy. 62 between Hwy. 169 and I-35W in Edina, Richfield and Minneapolis will be reduced to a single lane at 8 p.m. Friday, then close completely at 10 p.m. for resurfacing, reopening at 5 a.m. Monday.

• Hwy. 100 between Hwy. 55 and Duluth Street in Golden Valley will be closed at 1 a.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday for CenterPoint Energy work on pipelines beneath the road.

They should keep in mind that work zone violations come with double fines.

Other safety tips include:

• Stay alert, expect the unexpected.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts – merge when directed to do so.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Don't speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.
• Avoid using mobile phones while driving in work zones.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Be patient!