By Bruce Karnick

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Road construction is certainly an inconvenience when its in your area or along a needed route and TH316 is one of those needed routes. Thankfully, the project continues to progress and is hoping to be completed in late October but more likely early to mid November This next phase is a combination of phase two and three in an attempt to speed up the completion. As of Monday, September 13 at 5:00 a.m., 316 was closed in both directions from Highway 61 to Malcom Ave. That means the access to the industrial park, including Veterans Park, must now occur from two alternate routes. Commercial vehicles, trucks and buses must enter from the 10th street / Glendale Road end of Spiral Blvd. Cars can use that route as well, or they can enter via 21st Street East by O’Reilly Auto. 21st Street East is the road to the Vermillion Falls Park parking lot. Cars can use 21st to access Commerce Drive.

Please keep in mind, the MnDoT complex on 21st Street East between Commerce Drive and 18th Street East by the Veterans Home is a private drive. That section is not a public shortcut and anyone that ignores the posted barriers could be subject to ticketing.

Residents of 316 are being asked to remember that you will be driving on surfaces other than pavement and to use caution when entering and exiting your driveways. Always be on the watch for construction vehicles.

Access to Burger King, Speedway, Coborn’s, Vermillion Bank, Terrys Hardware, Me & Julio and other business on 33rd street has not changed. The only access is from 33rd street at the intersection of Highway 61.

With the detour change being moved to the intersection of 21st and Vermillion, congestion is expected to be a problem at that intersection. Please use caution, slow down and exercise a little grace and kindness when people are waiting to turn, especially left on to Vermillion from that intersection. Do not block the intersection.

People have been wondering what is going on with the small section of land by the ice arena where the trees were cut down. There is finally an answer. Currently, it’s a spot for storing dirt and equipment to use during construction. Once the work is done, that section will be converted to a drainage pond for the storm sewers on 316 and adjoining roads.