The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently announced 283 construction projects for 2010 — totaling $1.3 billion —  around the state.

“Minnesota’s transportation system is a cornerstone to a strong and vibrant state economy,” Gov. Pawlenty said in a press release. “Our administration has invested more than $5 billion on more than 1,900 projects since 2003 to battle congestion, improve safety, and foster economic growth.”

Of this year’s 283 projects, 217 are state highway construction projects including the Highway 169/Interstate 494 interchange in the Twin Cities and bridge and pavement replacement on a section of Interstate 35 in Duluth. The other 66 projects improve safety at railroad crossings, repair seawalls and docks in three ports, make improvements on runways and terminals at regional airports, and remodel or construct new transit facilities.

“MnDOT is focused on improving our highways and maximizing the capacity of the system,” MnDOT CommissionerTom Sorel said in a press release.

MnDOT urges drivers to be patient and caution when driving in work zones.