Southbound Highway 52 traffic change begins Oct. 7 at I-90
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Southbound Highway 52 traffic at Interstate 90 will shift to the west in newly paved lanes beginning Oct. 7 and motorists will then use a new temporary access to the eastbound I-90 on-ramp as construction continues to progress, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
It’s the latest milestone in year No. 2 of a three-year project.
This change allows construction crews to work on the ramps on the south side of I-90. Southbound and northbound Highway 52 at Marion remains detoured. Southbound Highway 52 follows eastbound I-90 to Exit 224 (Eyota exit), travels south on Olmsted County Road 7 to Highway 52 north of Chatfield. Northbound traffic from Chatfield follows the detour in reverse.
Remaining open are:
- Northbound Highway 52 to allow westbound I-90 motorists exit north on Highway 52 toward Rochester.
- I-90 remains open in both directions.
- Southbound Highway 52 motorists can use the westbound I-90 on-ramp. The next exits west are Exits 209A and 209B at Stewartville. There are no public turnarounds between Highway 52 and Highway 63.
The Highway 52 detour is expected to be removed for the winter by Nov. 14.
Project background
To learn more about this project, go to the project 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 Highway 52, constructing a new ramp for southbound Highway 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 Highway 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 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
- Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota.
- Search job openings at the Minnesota Management and Budget website and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.
- Sign up to receive emails about traffic safety.
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