MnDOT Worker Fatally Struck at Rockford Road Construction Site

A Minnesota Department of Transportation worker in Plymouth was stuck by a dump truck and killed at a work site, according to the Plymouth Police Department. 

A MnDOT spokesperson identified the employee as Michael Gau.

The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m., according to Plymouth Police Sgt. Scott Whiteford. 

The worker was struck in the construction zone for the Highway 169 and Rockford Road construction project, near the intersection of Nathan Lane and Rockford Road.

At the construction site, crews are working to replace the bridge and interchange at Rockford Road and 169. The site is on the border between Plymouth and New Hope.

EMTs declared Gau dead at the scene. 

Meanwhile, Whiteford said everyone involved in the crash is cooperating. 

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. 

As of Thursday afternoon, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office had not released Gau’s autopsy results to the public. 

According to Whiteford, MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol are assisting in the investigation.

Plymouth police are waiting on routine crash reconstruction results from the Minnesota State Patrol, Whiteford said. 

“MnDOT is grieving this tragic death and focused on supporting Michael’s colleagues and family,” a MnDOT spokesperson said. “MnDOT immediately notified [the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration] to begin an investigation and the agency is closely coordinating with the Plymouth Police Department and Minnesota State Patrol.”

Plymouth