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State Representative Tim Kelly

335 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8635

For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317

Posted: 2010-04-28 00:00:00
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NEWS COLUMN

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AREA ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS


With the warm temperatures returning earlier than normal this year, Minnesota drivers can soon expect to see MnDOT employees throughout the state working on road improvements. There are a few projects in our area that travelers should know about, so I thought I’d share some details with you today.

The first is along Highway 61 in Lake City. MnDOT plans to replace the historic walls along the highway as part of the Great River Road Historic Property Restoration. Construction is scheduled to begin June 7 and end August 27, and the total cost is estimated at $1 million.

Near Pine Island, MnDot is going to construct a Highway 52 interchange and frontage road near the community. At a cost of $30 million, construction is scheduled to take two years, and local residents can expect temporary lane closures.

Also along Highway 52, the department will be looking to improve intersections and manage access for safety improvements this summer. This will take place in differing locations between August and September and cost approximately $389,000. Expect intermittent lane closures during this time.

Over the years, many have also complained about the stoplights in Cannon Falls as they drive along Highway 52. Funding has now been set aside to begin the land acquisition process so the stoplights can eventually be eliminated at the Goodhue County Road 24 location. At a cost of $1.8 million, MnDOT will continue its environmental assessment this year, as well as begin its right of way acquisition for mobility and safety improvements in this area. To reiterate, no construction will take place here this year, but the wheels are finally in motion towards making this a reality.

No one enjoys running into a road construction project, but then again, no one enjoys poorly maintained roads either. With 150 or more repair projects slated for this summer, chances are you will meet up with a MnDOT crew this summer as you travel the state. Be sure you’re especially alert at night when driving through work zones, and remember to be patient and to expect delays, especially during peak travel times

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