Multiple projects to impact traffic in southwestern Minnesota
Motorists are advised by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to keep an eye on I-90 (Interstate 90) this summer, as there will be multiple “construction ahead” zones in southwestern Minnesota as projects are slated begin in May – and reach into five counties for the majority of the construction season.
I-90 traffic will be carried two-way on two lanes; however construction staging will dictate ramp closures. Motorists are advised to check www.511mn.org before they travel for up-to-date ramp closures and corresponding detours.
This year the following I-90 projects will be under construction:
* Highway #22 – Highway #109 near Alden – westbound and eastbound lanes will receive a concrete overlay. Project to run from May 5 to October. The project will include Highway #22 ramp closures.
* Round Lake – Sherburn – westbound and eastbound lanes will receive a combination of concrete and asphalt overlay. Project to run from May 26, 2015 to July 2016 (design and build). The project will include Highway #71 ramp closures (2015 dates to be determined) and closure of both the westbound and eastbound rest areas at Jackson (2015 dates to be determined), closure of Highway #4 ramps at Sherburn (2015 dates to be determined) and closure of Highway #86 ramps at Lakefield (2016).
* Adrian – Rushmore – concrete overlay of the eastbound lanes. Project will run from June 1 to October (weather permitting). Access to Adrian at State Highway #91 will remain open in both directions, however the eastbound ramp at Nobles County Road #13 – and the eastbound rest area at Adrian – will be closed.
These projects and future I-90 work can be found www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/I90preserve/
Constructed in the 1970s, the I-90 pavements are nearing the end of their service life. MnDOT is investing $50 million in savings and $30 million of District 7 funds over the next few years into the rural interstate system to improve performance. This $80 million investment will improve 120 miles of some of the poorest interstate pavements – and an additional $20 million will be invested to repair the bridges.
