MnDOT's Joe McKinnon retires after 31 years of public service

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Joe McKinnon, Project Manager, plans to retire from the Minnesota Department of Transportation on June 8, 2021, after 31 years of state service.

In 1984, McKinnon began his career as a Project Engineer for Polk County. He has spent almost all his career at MnDOT Bemidji headquarters. Throughout his career, he has worked in the areas of traffic, design, land management, planning and project management.

"In my 31 years at MnDOT, I have had the opportunity to be involved with a project in almost every city in Northwestern Minnesota. I was involved in the design of large reconstruction projects of state highways in Crookston, Thief River Falls, Park Rapids and Bemidji," said McKinnon.

McKinnon also helped manage the development of replacing the Baudette/Rainy River International Bridge on Hwy 72 in the City of Baudette, Minn. and Hwy 11 in the Town of Rainy River, Ontario. This project was a collaboration between MnDOT and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

"Over the years at MnDOT, there have been many changes I have encountered. Most notably, projects have developed with more input from local governments and the public. MnDOT has also increased emphasis in designing projects for safety and increased accommodations for pedestrians with disabilities," added McKinnon.

He will enjoy his retirement by spending more time traveling, biking, hiking and skiing with his wife and family.

District 2 comprises over 1,800 miles of state highways across 14 counties and employs approximately 270 people to handle snow and ice control, roadway construction, traffic, land acquisition, business operations, planning, design and other transportation-related duties.

District 2 is grateful to have had the leadership, mentorship and friendship of Joe McKinnon. MnDOT wishes him well in his retirement. You can learn more about MnDOT District 2, at http://www.mndot.gov/d2.