Heads up, drivers! A major road construction project is about to kick off in the Twin Cities metro. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced it will start resurfacing Highway 55 this Monday, April 15. The stretch getting a facelift runs from Old Rockford Road in Plymouth to General Mills Blvd. in Golden Valley, promising a smoother ride and improved safety features for commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Initial work will commence near Old Rockford Road as crews set the stage for the heavy-duty construction to follow. A MnDOT press release warns of shoulder work and lane closures that will mark the dawn of the overhaul. The department has noted that road users should brace for congestion and prepare for potential delays. MnDOT urges those traveling through the area to plan and consider alternative routes where possible.

Apart from repaving, the update will bring a raft of benefits like new trail connections and retrofitting infrastructure to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. This includes shared use trail updates and a signal replacement. The goal: to not just repair, but to enhance accessibility and reduce congestion on this busy artery.

But the ride won't be smooth just yet. Motorists can look forward to weekend directional closures and ongoing lane restrictions throughout the construction period. The whole shebang is expected to wrap up this fall, at which point travelers can finally enjoy the fruits of this herculean effort. For those seeking the minutiae on closures and detours, MnDOT has directed traffic to its project webpage, where updates are posted and email alerts can be subscribed to.

Until the project crosses the finish line, the hundreds who rely on Highway 55 daily will need to gear up for a season of detours and delays. Yet many will likely agree that the prospect of a smoother, safer journey is worth the short-term hassle. After all, progress, as they say, is seldom a free ride.