Planned temporary power outage in La Crescent will disable Hwy 61/16 traffic signal on May 21

LA CRESCENT, Minn. – Motorists in La Crescent should plan ahead and be alert for traffic backups on May 21 due to a planned power outage that will disable a traffic signal and require temporary stop signs, according to the Department of Transportation.

Xcel Energy will be doing work in La Crescent that includes a planned power outage. The power outage will affect the traffic signal that controls the intersection of South Third Street and Highways 61and 16. Temporary stop signs will be placed on all sides of the intersection during the outage. The utility’s work is expected to start at 9 a.m. and be done by around 3 p.m.

Safety in work zones
The two main safety issues in work zones are speed and distraction.
We’re all in the work zone together. As you navigate work zones always:

Slow down
Put away your cell phone and other distractions
Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or download the free 511mn app at Google Play or the App Store.
Be patient. Do the zipper merge.
Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures, narrower lanes, moving workers and vehicles.

Learn more about construction work zone safety tips.
Stay connected, informed

Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us at MnDOT Southeast on X.
Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota
Search job openings at the Minnesota Management and Budget website and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.
###