The orange cones and barrels that have been a familiar sight on Minnesota roads during the winter months are a sign that spring has arrived, and with it, a new wave of road construction. While the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) aims to wrap up most construction by November, the reality is that the orange infrastructure is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. This is particularly evident in the Rochester area, where several projects are set to cause some disruption this summer.
One of the most significant projects is the replacement of six bridges on Interstate 90 in Austin, as well as the redesign and reconstruction of the interchange where U.S. Highway 52 meets I-90 near Marion. The Austin project is already under way, with bridge demolitions and replacements scheduled for this spring. Drivers can expect to see falling bridges and detours as the work progresses. The Marion project is expected to be completed by October, with the new flyover bridge opening after the westbound I-90 bridge is replaced and reopened.
In the Rochester area, the focus is on the new bridge at Seventh Street and the accompanying interchange at Olmsted County Road 44/U.S. Highway 14. This project, led by Olmsted County, will see two bridges built over Highway 14, with MnDOT providing $60 million in funding for the overall $91.7 million project. The construction will cause traffic delays and slowdowns on the busy Highway 14, and drivers should plan their routes accordingly.
Another Rochester-area project is the resurfacing of Minnesota Highway 30 near Rochester International Airport in High Forest Township. The construction, which will start after July 4, is expected to cause some headaches for drivers heading to the airport, particularly those coming from Hayfield. Flaggers will be used to slow and stop traffic during the work.
Beyond the Rochester area, MnDOT is replacing culverts in Whitewater State Park, with the north end culvert being replaced first. This project will impact traffic on the route from the south, so visitors to the park should keep up with the progress. Additionally, the resurfacing of Highway 14 from Stockton to Winona will be completed this summer, with no detours required.
For those planning to travel on Interstate 90, MnDOT is conducting general repavement work in Winona and Olmsted counties, particularly from Nodine to Dakota in Winona County. The interstate, including bridges and interchanges, was constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, and the current work is part of a larger effort to address the aging infrastructure.
In conclusion, the orange cones and barrels that have been a familiar sight on Minnesota roads during the winter months are a sign that spring has arrived, and with it, a new wave of road construction. While the MnDOT aims to minimize disruption, drivers can expect some delays and detours as the work progresses. It is important to plan routes and stay informed about the projects to ensure a smooth journey during the summer months.
