Ribbon-cutting ceremony to be held Friday, November 18
Highway 71 in Jackson is set to open to traffic late next week and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce is ready to cut a ribbon on Friday, November 18. at 2 p.m., according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
Traffic has been detoured since May 2 as crews worked to replace the Des Moines River Bridge. Finishing work will take place after the highway is open, and motorists are advised to use caution around workers and equipment.
Multiple subcontractor companies are now on the project and paving is nearing completion. Concrete curb-and-gutter, pedestrian ramp and sidewalk work is also progressing on both sides of the bridge. Additionally, bridge railings are expected to be installed next week.
Installation is underway for two new pedestrian-activated crossing signals with high -lighting. One will be located by Subway/Vet’s Oil and one at the north end of the project where the trail crosses Highway 71. These are, however, not to be a substitute for pedestrians looking both ways before crossing the Highway.
The Highway 71 project included replacing a 60-year-old bridge, improving operations at the Highway 71/Springfield Drive (Jackson County Road 14) 4th Street intersection, resurfacing, building better pedestrian and bicycle accommodations and improving safety with reduced speeds and turn lanes.
More information can be found at www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/hwy71jackson/.
For statewide travel information, visit www.511mn.org.
