Eastbound I-90 exit ramp closure to Hwy 169 near Blue Earth begins May 15

MANKATO, Minn. – Motorists are advised that the eastbound Interstate 90 exit ramp to Highway 169 near Blue Earth is expected to close on May 15, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Eastbound I-90 motorists wanting to exit at Blue Earth will be directed to the Guckeen exit and detoured to Faribault County Roads 1, 8 and 6 to get to Highway 169. The ramp closure is expected until mid-July, weather permitting. All ramps at the Highway 169 interchange near Blue Earth are anticipated to be open during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The eastbound and westbound I-90 rest areas located just west of Blue Earth remain closed as pavement in the parking areas will be replaced. The eastbound I-90 rest area is scheduled to open in mid-August, the westbound in mid-October.

Traffic on I-90 is currently maintained with two-way (head-to-head) traffic, one lane in each direction, in the westbound lanes from just west of Blue Earth to one mile east of Faribault County Road 17.

The project is expected to be complete in late-October, weather permitting.

Project information, benefits, and costs

MnDOT is resurfacing approximately 20 miles of I-90 from Highway 169 near Blue Earth to Highway 22 south of Wells. This is the second year of a two-year project. Construction this year includes resurfacing eastbound I-90, as well as ramps, bridges, culverts, and lighting along the project. Pavement at the eastbound and westbound I-90 rest areas west of Blue Earth will also be improved as part of this year’s project, along with sidewalk to meet Americans with Disability Act standards. Construction on the westbound lanes of I-90 was completed in 2023.

To commemorate the completion of I-90 in 1978, concrete panels near Blue Earth were tinted gold, reminiscent of the ‘Golden Spike’ that symbolized completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869. In 2006, when I-90 needed repaving, most of the golden panels were paved over. As part of this project, the golden panels will be reestablished in their same locations across both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90.

Benefits of the project include improved pavement, bridges, drainage, and lighting. Other benefits include improved sidewalks at the Blue Earth Rest Areas to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. PCiRoads is the prime contractor on the $90,100,000.00 project.

Stay connected, informed

Visit the I-90 project website for more information and to sign up for email and text message updates.

Important reminders for motorists regarding work zone safety

Slow down when approaching every work zone
Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
Minimize distractions behind the wheel
Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

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