Construction workers deal with flooding at I-694WB @ Hamline
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- If throughout your travels this weekend you do not encounter visions of barrels and brake lights, consider it a Memorial Day miracle.
On the eve of our great escape, those who have been wondering if there's more construction slowing us down this year, Kent Barnard with Minnesota's Department of Transportation says they're right.
One of the bigger construction projects that may slow you down is the I-694 Central Project.
"Which is 694 and Highway 10, Snelling and Hamline Avenues," said Barnard.
In hopes of alleviating some of the backups as people head north and in other parts of the metro, construction crews will stop work by noon Friday.
"There won't be trucks going in and out. There won't be activity going on to distract drivers," he said.
One thing that isn't slowing is the popularity of camping.
At the Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, students and staff of the West St. Paul's Branch Out transitional program started the holiday early.
"Every year we have a camp out to celebrate the end of the year," said Principal Rob Dehnert. "Honestly it's the only time we could get the cabins is before the weekend."
Tom Knisely with Three Rivers Park District says all three of the parks in the metro area are booked this weekend for camping; they been that way for months.
"We're packed; we're fully booked this weekend," said Knisely. "Gas prices have been high and the economy has been a little tough, people are sticking closer to home, they're taking stay-cations."
And although this weekend's journey maybe a little more round about than you might like, consider this: the destination will be waiting when you finally get there.
"We camp because that's what we do for fun," said Dehnert with a smile.
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