The Reason People May Soon See Smoke Along A Minnesota Highway

While driving on Minnesota highways, you can see a wide variety of things. Seeing abandoned cars, wildlife, and blowout tires are the first things that come to mind for me.

However, there is one thing that can be a great distraction for motorists, even to the point of taking their eyes off the road, and that is when you see smoke filling the air in the distance.

When I see smoke while driving, I always try to figure out where it is coming from. Could be a car on fire, somebody's residence, or a wildfire I should avoid? I also notice people in other cars looking as well.

Likely knowing that is the case, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reached out recently to let motorists know why they would soon see smoke in part of the state.

Expect To See Smoke Along A Minnesota Highway Beginning March 17

According to MnDOT, motorists on Highway 52 between Pine Island and Oronoco may see smoke beginning Monday, March 17, and continuing through Friday, March 21 because crews will be burning wood piles to dispose of dead and diseased trees and other wood debris.

There will be signs placed informing motorists they are approaching the burn area and warning of the potential of smoke along Highway 52 near Exit 68, the Elk Run interchange.

Wood from tree cutting and trimming work is in a contained area east of Highway 52 northbound at Exit 68 on MnDOT right of way and that is what will be burning all week.

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MnDOT notes that it acquired a Department of Natural Resources burn permit to do the work and will select days for burning when the conditions are suitable for safety, including weather conditions, wind speeds, and direction.

Furthermore, law enforcement and local fire departments will be alerted for awareness of MnDOT’s activities. MnDOT has used this method at other sites in the southeast Minnesota district.

MnDOT Advises To Drive With Caution When Approaching Any Burn Area

Maintenance crew members will be monitoring the burning operation to ensure that it is regularly fueled and observed for safety, so motorists are advised not to be distracted by the smoke and watch out for crews placed in the area.

The following safety tips should always be followed:

• Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
• Drive undistracted. While in work zones, avoid using phones, and mobile devices, adjusting the radio, eating, etc.
• Move over. Give workers the room they need to safely complete their work.
• Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
• Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures, narrower lanes, and moving workers and vehicles.

This is great advice to keep in mind as the busy construction season will be underway throughout Minnesota, and there will be many MnDOT crews out on the road to watch out for.

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