New Hwy 52 lane closures, changes begin on Zumbrota to Cannon Falls construction project
ZUMBROTA, Minn. – Highway 52 motorists should be prepared for a new northbound right lane closure beginning Aug. 31 south of Zumbrota and lane changes for all traffic on Sept. 7 south of Cannon Falls, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The northbound right lane will close between the exits of Highway 60 east and Highway 58 at Zumbrota, but motorists will still be able to exit at Zumbrota. The work zone provides safety for workers and motorists while crews build a noise wall on the east side of the highway. This is part of the Highway 52 Zumbrota to Cannon Falls project.
The lane changes south of Cannon Falls will switch the single-lane traffic in each direction from the northbound lanes to the southbound lanes just south of Goodhue Co. Rd 24. Highway 52 traffic will remain a single lane in each direction on the southbound lanes beginning at Goodhue Co. Rd 24 in Cannon Falls extending to Skunk Hollow Trail. Crews are replacing large box culverts underneath the northbound lanes to connect to the culverts already installed under the southbound lanes at Butler Creek. They will also be completing a J-turn.
Signs will give advance notice of lane changes and closures.
These lane closures and shifts are expected to stay in place until late October.
Motorists are also reminded that:
- Direct access from 420th to Highway 52 will close on Sept. 11.
- Goodhue Co. Rd 1 and 50 direct access to Highway 52 has closed and motorists should take the new routes to the highway.
The Highway 52 southbound reconstruction from Zumbrota to Cannon Falls project began in July 2021. Contractors are reconstructing the southbound lanes south of Cannon Falls to north of Zumbrota, installing snow fence and a noise wall. Additionally, they have built a new interchange at Highway 57 at Hader, replaced four bridges, built a park-and-ride lot and closed access to the highway to improve safety.
The use of left turns is prohibited in the 16.5 miles of the work zone. Access to and from roads and driveways are limited to right-in and right-out movements only. The restriction during construction is to reduce abrupt speed changes that contribute to crashes.
Motorists should be alert for occasional slowdowns and traffic backups through the work zone, especially during heavy travel times such as the Labor Day weekend holiday.
Safety
Motorists may encounter lane closures or lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, equipment and other unexpected obstacles when driving near or through work zones. MnDOT advises motorists to:
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Go hands-free and minimize other distractions (e.g., don’t eat or drink while driving).
- Follow posted speed limits; the fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Avoid making lane changes within work zones.
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