State patrol to conduct high-intensity patrols on east metro freeways this weekend
Fifteen Minnesota State Patrol troopers will patrol east metro freeways in Chisago, Dakota and Washington counties starting Friday at 2 p.m. and ending Sunday at 8 p.m. This high-intensity patrol is part of Project 20(22), which prioritizes the enforcement of speed, seat belt use, distraction and impairment violations.
The goal is to have a visible presence and protect motorists, according to the state patrol. Officials with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety hope drivers will see the extra patrols and make safe driving decisions.
The first Project 20(22) enforcement was held May 13 to May 15 in the Brainerd Lakes area, and during that time 786 vehicles were stopped. 602 were stopped for speeding and 14 drivers were arrested for DWI.
“This continued enforcement will help make Minnesota roads safer by stopping dangerous driving behaviors,” said chief of the Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer, in a statement.
One hundred and fifty-five traffic-related deaths have occurred on Minnesota roadways so far through June 19 of this year. Project 20(22) is meant to help prevent these deaths.
State Patrol districts across Minnesota are dedicating specific weekends to the high-intensity patrols. Twin Cities metro freeways will be covered this weekend and July 15 to July 17. Interstate 35 from Pine City to Duluth will be covered Aug. 5 to Aug, 7, while Interstate 94 from Moorhead to Rogers will be covered Sept. 16 to Sept. 18.
Related Articles
Crime & Public Safety | EXPLAINER: How Biden’s proposed gas tax holiday would work
Crime & Public Safety | St. Paul City Council OKs Spin scooter service. It starts this summer.
Crime & Public Safety | Biden says decision on gas tax holiday may come this week
Crime & Public Safety | Purple Line drops downtown White Bear Lake, considers Century College
Crime & Public Safety | Lime scooters roll out next-generation model in St. Paul
