Highway 53 Construction Near International Falls Resumes May 17

The second year of a multi-year road construction project near International Falls is set to resume again on Monday, May 17.  Officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation are alerting the general public of the road work that will occur on Highway 53 and the impending truck detour that will last the remainder of the summer.

According to details released by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, road crews will commence the project on Highway 53 with local detours for work areas at 15th Street to Industrial Avenue and another one at Memorial to 20th Street. Additionally, a truck detour will take freight traffic around the eastern-side of town, along 332.

Once finished, the $17.3 million project will provide drivers with a smoother pavement surface, improved pedestrian accessibility, safety, and streetscape improvements.  MNDOT categorizes the road work along Highway 53 in International Falls as a "major pavement rehabilitation and streetscape enhancement project".  The work being done will address the "aging infrastructure" on that stretch of roadway in International Falls.  Included in the improvements is a new drainage and storm sewer system, improved ADA compliant pedestrian accessibility, a multi-use trail, new state of the art signal systems, and an LED lighting system.

Get our free mobile app

As with any road construction work, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging caution and safety from drivers.  Their website recommends the following:

• Slow down when approaching work zones
• Navigate through work zones with care and caution
• Stay alert
• Watch for workers and slow moving equipment
• Obey posted speed limits.  Fines for a work zone violation is $300
• Minimize distractions
• Be patient
• Expect delays

For more details about the Highway 53 road project in International Falls or any of the road work coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, visit their online project page.