Virtual open house for construction projects in Deer River set for May 7

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation invites residents, business owners and others to a virtual public meeting on Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m., to learn more about the upcoming construction projects in Deer River.

The virtual open house for MnDOT District 2, will include representatives of MnDOT, Casper Construction and the City of Deer River. These groups will be on hand to provide information regarding the project and answer user-submitted questions. To register for the virtual open house visit the project website or send an email to tj.melcher@state.mn.us. A recording of the meeting will be made available on the website for those who are not able to participate in the live event.

Participants of the virtual open house can learn about the project happening in Deer River which includes:

• Resurface Highway 6 in Deer River between Highway 2 and Itasca County Road 128

• Resurface Highway 2 between Second Ave NW and First St SE

• Pedestrian accessibility improvements

• Replace sidewalks, curb, gutter and storm sewer

• Crews will also replace the culvert north of Itasca County Road 19, located 4 miles north of Deer River

Visit the website to learn more about the project and sign up for email updates http://www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/2020/hwy6-deerriver or join the MnDOT northwest Minnesota Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/MnDOTnorthwest

MnDOT road work has been identified as a critical service in Gov. Tim Walz’s Stay at Home executive order. We are being as flexible as possible with schedules during this period of lower traffic volumes to keep projects moving forward and minimize the impact to motorists. Following guidance from state and federal health officials, and to prevent further spread of COVID-19, crews will maintain social distancing practices while working.

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. We believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the programs, services and activities we provide. If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in this event, such as an ASL or spoken language interpreter, or need documents in an alternate format, such as braille or large print, please contact: Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or e-mail ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

For traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit http://www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.