From Belle Plaine to Duluth, Minnesota drivers face traffic changes

A variety of road, bridge and other construction projects will slow traffic on Minnesota roads this week, state Department of Transportation officials warned today.

Near Belle Plaine, Minn., a low-flying helicopter is working near U.S. Highway 169, where workers are stringing new power lines. The work, which could temporarily halt traffic at times this week, is part of the CapX2020 high voltage power line project across central Minnesota.

In Duluth, right lane of northbound Interstate 535 on the Blatnik Bridge is expected to close today as part of a two-year restoration project on the bridge between the city and Superior, Wis.. It is due to reopen in October.

The right lane of southbound I-535, which has been closed, will reopen Wednesday.

In north central Minnesota, delays are likely on Highway 71, where today crews start resurfacing a 10 mile-stretch of the road south of Bemidji, Minn. workers will direct traffic around the construction this week.

Also this week, MnDOT officials will close state Highway 9 north of Breckenridge, Minn., to replace a bridge.That is scheduled to start Thursday.