Mower County Public Works

☀️ Summer is calling, but safety still comes first.

The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are some of the busiest travel days of the year, and unfortunately, some of the most dangerous on Minnesota roads.

Law enforcement will be stepping up patrols this summer and watching for the “Big Four” driving behaviors that lead to serious crashes:

🚫 Impaired driving
📵 Distracted driving
🚗 Speeding
✅ Not wearing a seat belt

Last year, between May 26 and September 1, 111 people lost their lives on Minnesota roads. Many of these crashes were preventable.

Before you head out for a road trip, weekend getaway, or even your daily commute, make the safe choice:

✅ Drive sober
✅ Slow down
✅ Buckle up
✅ Stay focused

A safe summer starts with all of us. Let’s work together to drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

🎉 Congratulations to Kevin Whalen on his retirement! 🎉

Kevin was recognized by the Mower County Board today for his incredible **42 years of service to the county**.

For more than four decades, Kevin has shared his time, knowledge, and dedication with Mower County, and his impact will be felt for years to come. We are grateful for everything he has done for our community, coworkers, and county operations.

Please join us in congratulating Kevin and wishing him the very best in retirement! 👏

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. As we enjoy time with family, friends, and our community, may we also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day.

With gratitude, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. ❤️🤍💙

Mower County offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. ❤️🤍💙

🚧 I-90 Austin Bridge Project Update 🚧

Good news for Austin drivers! MnDOT says two westbound I-90 ramps and the Cedar River bridge are set to open Friday, May 22, with openings expected mid-afternoon.

Opening soon:
✅ Westbound I-90 off-ramp at 4th St NW
✅ Westbound I-90 on-ramp at 6th St NE
✅ Cedar River bridge

Traffic will also move back into regular lanes, but work continues in the area. Detours remain in place at the Hwy 218 north and south bridges, so please slow down, stay alert, and watch for crews.

For the latest project updates and detour information, visit MnDOT’s project page:
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d6/projects/i90-austin-bridge-replacements/

I-90 bridge reconstruction - MnDOT I-90 bridge replacements

🚲 May is National Bike Safety Month 🚲

Warmer weather means more bicycles on the road, whether people are riding for fun, exercise, or their daily commute.

Here are a few simple reminders to help everyone get home safely:

🚴 **Cyclists**
✅ Check your tires, brakes, seat, and reflectors
✅ Wear a properly fitted helmet every ride
✅ Use lights and wear bright or reflective clothing
✅ Ride with traffic, follow traffic laws, and use hand signals

🚗 **Drivers**
✅ Watch for cyclists, especially at intersections and driveways
✅ Give bikes plenty of space
✅ Try the “far-hand reach” when opening your door to help check for passing cyclists

Safety is a shared responsibility. A little extra awareness can make a big difference for everyone on the road.

Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths. 💛

🚗 Buckle Up, Minnesota — Every Seat. Every Ride.

To help keep everyone safe during daily commutes and summer travel, law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are taking part in a statewide seat belt enforcement and awareness campaign from May 11 through May 31.

Most Minnesotans do the right thing — seat belt use reached a record-high 95.2% last year. But those who do not buckle up still make up nearly a third of traffic fatalities.

A few reminders:

✅ Minnesota law requires drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts.
✅ Seat belts should fit snugly across the hips, with the shoulder belt across the chest — never under the arm or behind the back.
✅ Children must be in the proper restraint for their age, height and weight.
✅ Children under 13 should sit in the back seat whenever possible.
✅ When a child fits in more than one category, use the more protective option.

As of May 10, Minnesota has already recorded 29 unbelted traffic fatalities this year.

Please take a few seconds to buckle up. It could save your life or someone you love.

Buckle up. Every Seat. Every Ride.
Together, we can help drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

A simple choice: Wear a seat belt and save a life or get a ticket? Buckle up. | Minnesota Department of Public Safety To encourage seat belt use and stop preventable deaths and injuries, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is coordinating a Click It or Ticket enforcement and awareness campaign from May 11 through May 31.

🚧 2026 Road Construction Begins Next Week in Mower County🚧

Ulland Brothers will begin Cold In-Place Recycling work this summer on County Roads 3, 15, 16, and 57. In total, **26 miles of pavement** will be recycled and repaved, with all projects expected to be completed in July.

Traffic will be reduced to **one lane** through active construction areas. Please slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and drive carefully through work zones.

📍 **Project Schedule:**

**County Road 3**
Between US Highway 218 and County Road 7
Work begins Monday, May 11

**County Road 15**
Between County Road 1 and County Road 8
Work begins in late May

**County Road 16**
Between County Road 2 and County Road 57
Work begins in late May

**County Road 57**
Between County Road 16 and County Road 20
Work begins in late May

For more information on Mower County’s 2026 construction projects, visit:
https://co.mower.mn.us/1627/Construction-Projects

Thank you for your patience as these important road improvements are completed.

Construction Projects | Mower County, MN Click the link below to view an interactive map of this year's construction projects.  In the map you can select a project to read more details about the project.

This May, every blood donation can help save lives after a traumatic crash.

Trauma teams across Minnesota work around the clock to care for patients in their most critical moments. But they can’t do it alone. They rely on a safe, reliable blood supply made possible by generous donors.

In recognition of Trauma Awareness Month, the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program and the Trauma Center are launching the Trauma Awareness Month Blood Donation Challenge with a goal of collecting 141 donations — one for every unit of blood used for trauma patients each month.

🩸 One donation can save up to three lives
🚗 A single crash victim may need 50 to 100 units of blood in just a few hours
❤️ Your donation could help a neighbor, friend, colleague or loved one come home

Whether you’re a regular donor or giving for the first time, now is the perfect time to help.

If you’re in the Rochester area, stop by the Saint Marys Blood Drive on May 13 and visit the Bloodmobile for trauma trivia, treats and prizes!

When you give blood, you give hope.

Together, we can support trauma teams and help drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

ITSY Donor Portal Web site created using create-react-app

🌧️ Rain barrels & compost bins are still available! 🌱

Our original event date has passed, but we still have a few items left — so we’re keeping the online store open while supplies last!

🛒 Order online first, then pick up:
https://recycleminnesota.org/product-category/pickup-locations/mower/

📍 Pickup on Wednesdays
⏰ 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
⏰ 1:00 PM–5:00 PM

🌧️ Rain Barrels
Only 7 left!
💲 $50 for Mower County residents and eligible Cedar River Watershed MN zip codes
💧 Austin Utilities water customers can get an extra $10 rebate

🌱 Compost Bins
Only 25 left!
💲 $50 for Mower County residents

Get yours before they’re gone — a great way to save water, reduce waste, and help your garden thrive! 🌎💚