Minnesota § 160.16 - WARNING SIGNS AND DETOUR SIGNS

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 160.16 — WARNING SIGNS AND DETOUR SIGNS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 160.16. WARNING SIGNS AND DETOUR SIGNS

Subdivision 1.Contract to provide for warning signs.

Whenever the road authorities enter into a contract for the construction or improvement of any road, culvert, or bridge thereon they shall, as a condition of the contract, provide therein that the contractor shall place suitable warning signs at the highways intersecting the road so to be constructed or improved warning the public that the road under construction or improvement is impassable at a designated place or distance from the warning sign. The signs shall be placed at such places as will obviate unnecessary travel by persons not otherwise aware of the impassable condition of the roads. Nothing in the provisions of chapters 160 to 165 shall make any town, county, or the state liable in damages for the failure of the road authorities to provide in any contract for the erection of a warning sign as is herein provided for, or the failure of any contractor to erect same in accordance herewith.

Subd. 2.Contractor to place detour signs.

The contractor, lead supervisor, or person in charge of work or repairs on any public road shall, when the doing of the work or repairs necessitates the closing of a part of the road to traffic, post signs stating that the road is under repair and describing the direction and distance of the detour necessary to avoid the part of the road being repaired. The signs shall be posted at the intersection of the road under repair with the road to be traveled while detouring and at appropriate intervals along the road.

Subd. 3.Barricades.

The road authorities may also provide, by contract or otherwise, for the erection of barricades, fences or other obstructions so as to prevent traffic from entering any impassable section of road or a section closed to public travel.

History:

1959 c 500 art 1 s 16; 1986 c 444

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 160.16

What does Minnesota Statutes § 160.16 cover?

Section 160.16 ("WARNING SIGNS AND DETOUR SIGNS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 160.16?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 160.16" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 160.16 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.