Motorists can expect delays near Dobbins Creek as crews begin constructing a culvert Wednesday on the north side of Interstate 90 in Austin, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

At Dobbins Creek, I-90 traffic will use the eastbound lanes, one lane in each direction until mid-September, weather permitting. After the north culvert is complete, I-90 traffic will move to westbound lanes for crews to construct the south culvert this fall.

In addition, motorists will experience detours due to closures of 10th Place Northeast and the I-90 westbound ramp from Highway 218 South.

The entire Dobbins Creek box culvert project is scheduled to be completed by mid-spring 2010, weather permitting.

Construction continues at Turtle Creek, where motorists will also encounter single lane traffic. Bridge demolition and pile driving activities in this area may result in additional noise for up to two weeks. The westbound Turtle Creek bridge is scheduled to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting, and the eastbound bridge will be completed during the 2010 construction season.

Due to safety concerns, the Minnesota State Patrol will have extra law enforcement on duty to enforce speed limits near the project, and they remind motorists that all fines double in work zones.

The Dobbins Creek and Turtle Creek bridges are two of four bridge replacements included in the “Bridges of Mower County” project, which is partially funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. For more information on the “Bridges of Mower County” project, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/designbuild/stimulus.html or call the project hotline at 1-866-230-5352.

Mn/DOT urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. For statewide travel information visit www.511mn.org, call 5-1-1 or log onto www.mndot.gov.