As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and motorists from around the state hit the highways, the Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to use the 511 travel information service when planning their trips.

By visiting www.511mn.org or calling 511, motorists can plan their trips with the latest statewide traffic, construction, weather and travel information.

Motorists will experience improvements in travel time in some areas with the recent completion of high-profile projects including the Highway 23 Granite City Crossing project in St. Cloud and the Highway 169 reconstruction project through downtown St. Peter.

Although MnDOT’s construction season is winding down, motorists may encounter work zones during their weekend travels, especially on large-scale projects like the I-35W/Highway 62 Crosstown Commons project in Minneapolis and Richfield.

"Work on most highway projects will cease during the holiday weekend," said Sue Mulvihill, Mn/DOT’s operations director. "However, motorists need to stay alert for lane closures, detours and rough or uneven pavement in project areas."

MnDOT encourages motorists to follow these recommendations while driving, especially when they encounter work zones:

• Use safety belts.
• Drive sober.
• Stay alert.
• Watch for signs and work zone flaggers.
• Minimize distractions such as using cell phones, eating or drinking.
• Avoid tailgating.
• Follow posted speed limits -- Fines double in work zones.
• Stay in one lane while driving through a work zone.

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