Author | Lightnews

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 1d

Happy Bat Week! 🦇 Some say bats are spooky, but MnDOT biologists know they’re vital neighbors. We inspect bridges and other structures before projects start—helping protect bats while keeping Minnesota moving. Learn more on our website.

Bats - MnDOT

Minnesota is home to eight species of bats.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 3d

Have questions about MnDOT? From road conditions to reporting issues on Minnesota highways, our “Popular Topics” have you covered.

Popular Topics - MnDOT

Find information about MnDOT construction, travel, state highway maps, speed limits, jobs and more

mndot.gov

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 5d

Safe speeds are the perfect ingredient for a sweet fall. 🍂

Electronic sign on highway above traffic. The sign reads, "Pumpkin spice and everything nice, drive safe speeds.”

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 8d

All aboard! Learn what's coming down the tracks for the future of rail in Minnesota. Read MnDOT’s draft State Rail Plan update and share your feedback: https://bit.ly/48MX5Sl

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 10d

October is one of the deadliest months for pedestrians. As of Oct. 13, 35 people have died this year while crossing the street in Minnesota. If you’re driving, stop for pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks. It’s the law! Learn more about pedestrian safety: https://bit.ly/3tQOPkU

Two elderly people walk together across a city crosswalk on a sunny day, one using a walker, with a truck stopped nearby.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 11d

Fall colors are peaking in parts of Minnesota 🍁 Use the @mnstateparks.bsky.social fall color map to plan your trip and 511mn.org to check traffic and construction before you head north on I-35!

Map showing the percentage of past peak fall colors in Minnesota State Parks and Trails as of October 14, 2025. Color coding indicates various percentages: brick red for past peak, bright red for 75 - 100%, orange for 50 - 75%, yellow for 25 - 50%, lime green for green for 10 - 25%, and green for 0 - 10%. Most areas of the state are between 25% and past peak. Major cities like Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Saint Cloud, and Bemidji are marked.

5 1 1 M N highway camera image of Minnesota 61 near Grand Portage showing a few cars driving along. The landscape features grassy areas and trees with changing leaves in the background under a clear sky.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 12d

Protect yourself and everyone on the road—seat belts save lives.

Electronic sign on highway above traffic. The sign reads, "Not all heroes wear capes. They wear seat belts.”

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 15d

Discover MnDOT's tiniest vehicles exploring highway drainage systems. Our inspection camera cars capture unreachable spots. Watch them in action in this MnDOT Minute!

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 17d

More than 145 schools across MN participated in the 30th annual Walk and Roll to School Day! These events, sponsored by Minnesota Safe Routes to School help make biking and walking more visible, fun and rewarding for children. Learn more on our website.

Safe Routes to School - MnDOT

Minnesota Safe Routes to School program details, grants, planning and contacts

mndot.gov

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 18d

We want to hear from you! MnDOT is updating the Metro District Freight Plan, and your feedback will help guide future policies, programs and projects in the Twin Cities metro area. Learn more and share your feedback by Oct. 19.

Metro District Freight Plan - Public comment | Let's Talk Transportation - MnDOT

We are asking community members and members of the freight industry to provide feedback on the final draft of the Metro District Freight Plan. Comments received will be used to guide updates to t...

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 18d

No bad blood here—just a reminder to always drive sober.

Electronic sign on highway above traffic. The sign reads, "We are never, ever getting back together—unless you drive sober.”

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 22d

So, you agree? You think the zipper merge is really helpful?

When approaching work zones and traffic is slow, use both lanes all the way to the merge point, then take turns.

Zipper merge = less drama, smoother traffic. Learn more: mndot.gov/zippermerge

A scene from the movie "Mean Girls" where a teacher faces a gym full of students raising their hands in response to a question. The text reads, "Raise your hand if you've ever felt personally victimized by people who don’t zipper merge."

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 22d

Big news: The 2025-2029 Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan is now live.

This plan outlines Minnesota’s roadmap to making our roads safer for everyone. Read the full plan and see how we’re working toward zero deaths on our roadways.

Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan - MnDOT

MnDOT strategic highway safety plan

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 24d

We’re studying ways to improve travel along and across Highway 169—and we want to hear from you!

Join us at an upcoming public meeting or pop-up event this fall to share your thoughts and learn more about the project. Find an event near you: https://bit.ly/48jaLqT

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 25d

It’s a beautiful time to volunteer for Adopt a Highway! 🍁 Find available sections near you with our new interactive map: mndot.gov/adopt

Map of Minnesota showing highways, rest areas, and available sections of highways for volunteers to help maintain. Labeled by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 26d

We all want to get home. Slow down and drive safe.

Electronic sign on highway above traffic. The sign reads, "Don’t speed through fall. Winter is coming.”

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · 29d

During routine pond maintenance, MnDOT checked Twin Cities-area stormwater ponds for rare turtles. None were found, but several snapping and painted turtles were safely relocated to DNR-approved sites! Learn more about our work with threatened species: https://bit.ly/4nHe5Rn

Near a highway with signage indicating lane directions, a Minnesota Department of Transportation employee in a high-visibility vest wades through a stormwater pond off I-694 checking for turtles.

Three painted turtles in a bucket of water.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 25

It’s harvest season in Minnesota, and farmers are out doing the work that feeds our communities. Always scan the road ahead and be prepared to slow down or stop when approaching farm equipment. Let’s share the road and help keep everyone safe.

A John Deere combine harvester is driving down a rural road while vehicles wait behind it. Trees line both sides of the road.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 24

Help shape the future of transportation in Minnesota!

Take our survey and share your ideas. Together, we can create a transportation system that works for everyone: https://bit.ly/47MuSNW

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 20

Stay in the *loop* this Roundabouts Week 🔄

Roundabouts reduce serious crashes by more than 80% and help keep traffic moving! They’re designed to slow speeds, cut down on conflict points and make intersections safer for everyone. Learn more on our website.

Roundabouts in Minnesota - MnDOT

MnDOT information on roundabouts, including why we use them, safety features and more

mndot.gov

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 19

What's a pirate's favorite merge? The zippeRRR meRRRge!... We'll see ourselves out.

Don’t be a scallywag—do the zipper merge: mndot.gov/zippermerge

#TalkLikeAPirateDay

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 18

See tracks? Think train! 🚆

If your vehicle gets stuck on a crossing, get out, move away, call the number on the blue Emergency Notification sign, then call 911. Learn more about rail safety: https://bit.ly/47B6pcs

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 17

Fresh pavement = best pavement 💖

Thanks to our hardworking crews who make our travels smoother and safer. Happy National Construction Appreciation Week!

Image of Pacha from the animated movie The Emperor's New Groove, with a satisfied expression. Text reads: "When you drive on fresh pavement."

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 16

Leaf peeping this weekend? 🍂 The @mnstateparks.bsky.social fall color map shows where the best views are across Minnesota. If you’re heading north on I-35, plan ahead—construction may impact your trip. Check 511mn.org for real-time traffic info!

Map showing the percentage of past peak fall colors in Minnesota State Parks and Trails as of September 16, 2025. Color coding indicates various percentages: brick red for past peak, bright red for 75 - 100%, orange for 50 - 75%, yellow for 25 - 50%, lime green for green for 10 - 25%, and green for 0 - 10%. Most areas of the state are between 0 and 50%. Major cities like Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Saint Cloud, and Bemidji are marked.

5 1 1 M N highway camera image of U.S. Route 2 near Cohasset showing a few cars driving by. There are road signs indicating U.S. Route 2 and Highway 6. The landscape features grassy areas and trees with changing leaves in the background under a clear sky.

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Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) @mndot.mn.gov · Sep 15

It’s National Construction Appreciation Week! The best way to thank our crews is to slow down in work zones—let’s make sure everyone gets home safely. 🚧

Electronic sign on highway above traffic. The sign reads, "Bob's fixing roads. Slow down—we need Bob.”

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