For the 2nd time in 2 days, semi crashes along I-94 construction zone near Wis. border
AFTON, Minn. -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation is taking a closer look at a stretch of highway currently under construction.
That's after two accidents involving semi-trucks within 24 hours, and three accidents within the past week.
The part of Interstate 94 near the Wisconsin border is referred to as the "Oakdale to St. Croix" road construction project.
Truck drivers Bruce Patmon and Jonathan Davidson understand the need for road construction. And they see a lot of it during their cross-country deliveries.
Patmon is driving through Minnesota from Georgia. Jonathan is coming from Missouri. While roadwork is nothing new, unfortunately, neither are crash scenes.
The rest stop where Patmon and Davidson talked with WCCO is in the middle point between two semi accidents. The first happened a quarter mile east of the rest stop on Thursday morning. And the other happened a quarter mile west on Friday morning
The Thursday morning crash happened in the westbound lane near Stagecoach Trail. The driver suffered non-life threatening injuries. Friday morning's crash happened just a little further down the freeway, near Neal Avenue.
"Once you leave the road, it's a wrap. It's over," said Patmon. "Low shoulder. Soft shoulder. It's going to give you problems."
MnDOT said they are adhering to all lane and shoulder standards and that this construction project is typical of other projects throughout the state.
But a spokesperson also added that "safety is a priority and we are aware of the issue and looking to make some modifications to improve the situation."
Patmon and Davidson said that stretch of I-94 isn't out of the ordinary for them, but they said it can be extremely difficult for two semi trucks to drive side by side in tight construction zones. So they're asking other drivers for help.
"Don't cut us off. Don't run up to this exit and decide you want to get off and cut off a big truck is real dangerous," said Patmon.
MnDOT is asking motorists to slow down as well, especially in work zones where workers are present. Both semi crashes are under investigation.