Southbound Hwy 52 closed, detoured July 15 to set bridge beams
ROCHESTER, Minn. —Southbound Hwy 52 will be closed and detoured north of I 90 July 15 as crews set eight I-90 bridge beams over the road, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Work on July 15 is expected to keep southbound Hwy 52 closed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Northbound Hwy 52 will remain open, and motorists are able to exit westbound I-90 to go north on Hwy 52. I-90 remains open in both directions.
Southbound Hwy 52 motorists will be detoured in Rochester to Hwy 63 south to I-90 east at Stewartville. Traffic with destinations further south on Hwy 52 will exit eastbound I-90 at Exit 224 (Eyota exit), travel south on Olmsted County Road 7 to Hwy 52 north of Chatfield.
Similar, short duration detours are planned when crews prepare the bridge for a concrete deck pour and the eventual removal of equipment for the work. Those detours will be announced in advance this season.
Other detours of ramps and lane closures remain in effect.
To learn more about this project, go to MnDOT’s website where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.
During the three-year project, crews will be replacing the I-90 bridges over Hwy 52, constructing a new ramp for southbound Hwy 52 to eastbound I-90, reconstructing all ramps and loops and replacing large culverts under interchange ramps.
The project is expected to improve safety on the interchange ramps and intersections, increase clearance under the I-90 bridges over Hwy 52 and improve traffic flow and reduce traffic delays through the interchange, which is a busy commuter and freight route.
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
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