JUST THE FACTS

July 4th, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 27

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Independence Day brings many families out to celebrate. With so many people traveling, be safe on the roads, plan ahead, and be patient. Enjoy your time and always remember to have a sober ride home if you consume some alcoholic beverages. Have a safe and fun 4th!

New Motorcycle Law Starts July 1 – What Drivers and Riders Need to Know

A new state law is effective July 1st that allows motorcycles to share lanes with vehicles under specific conditions. The Minnesota Safety Council and Minnesota Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) developed a resource to help drivers and riders understand the changes to ensure this new law leads to greater safety, not greater risk. Drivers or riders looking for additional resources on lane sharing should go to drivesmartmn.org for more information.

Lane Splitting (when traffic is moving):
Motorcyclists may pass between vehicles in the same lane only if:

Traffic is moving and there are two or more lanes in the same direction.
The motorcycle is going no more than 25 mph.
The rider is traveling no more than 15 mph faster than other traffic.

Lane Filtering (when traffic is stopped):
Motorcyclists may move between stopped vehicles (such as at a traffic light or traffic jam) only if:

There are two or more lanes in the same direction.
The rider travels no more than 15 mph faster than other traffic.

Where It’s Not Allowed:

In roundabouts or their approaches/exits
In school zones
In single-lane work zones
On freeway/expressway on-ramps

Whether you're behind the handlebars or the wheel, it's important to stay alert, check blind spots, and give motorcycles space.

Watch for traffic slowdowns as crack sealing begins July 7 in Goodhue, Steele counties

Motorists traveling on state highways in Goodhue and Steele counties may experience traffic slowdowns beginning Monday, July 7, as crews begin crack sealing work to preserve the state’s highways, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Work begins July 7 in Goodhue County on Highway 61 followed by work on Highway 218 in Steele County and then Interstate 35 southbound in Steele County. Work should be completed by July 18, weather permitting.

Highways scheduled for the work include:

Highway 61: from Lake City to Red Wing
Highway 218: from Blooming Prairie to Highway 14
Interstate 35: southbound from south of Owatonna to Ellendale

Crews will clean out the cracked areas of pavement and then apply a sealant in the closed lane of the road. On highways 61 and 218, the work will require flaggers to stop traffic to allow oncoming traffic to drive through the work zone in the single open lane. Vehicles will take turns through the work zone at the direction of the flaggers, so short waits are expected.

One lane will be closed on southbound I-35 with one lane remaining open. No work is planned for northbound I-35.

Preservation work such as sealing cracks helps maintain and preserve the driving surface. Cracks allow water to seep into pavement and can damage roads.

Slow down and drive with caution

Drivers traveling too fast and not paying attention are the main causes of work zone crashes. Follow these safe driving tips:

Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
Drive undistracted. Avoid using phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating – while in work zones.
Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
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. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
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.