One of Minnesota’s Largest Road Construction Projects Has Begun

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)-One of Minnesota's biggest road construction projects began in earnest this summer. 

See Also: More Money Pours in to Fund Olmsted County Interchange Project 

The massive road project got started with tree clearing last winter. It's occurring at a busy interchange that will see left turns reduced by 92% once the work is completed, officials say.

MnDOT says the multi-season project has an estimated $38.4 million price tag and is slated to be finished in 2026. 

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Reconstruction of Busy Southeast Minnesota Interchange Now Underway

Construction crews embarked on the three-year journey to rebuild the I-90/Hwy. 52 interchange southeast of Rochester in July. It begins with the construction of temporary crossover lanes and new ramps and loops. 

In 2025 Crews will begin to build a fly-over lane that allows southbound Hwy. 52 motorists seeking eastbound I-90 to bypass the left turn that currently exists at the interchange. 

MnDOT has previously indicated that increasing traffic volumes on northbound Hwy 52 have made the left turn onto the eastbound I-90 onramp more dangerous. The agency reduced traffic at the intersection to one lane in an attempt to reduce crashes at turn

The project plans also call for building a new entrance ramp to eastbound I-90 to the south of the current ramp. 

Crews will also reconstruct the eastbound I-90 overpass at the interchange in 2025. Work to rebuild the westbound I-90 overpass is set to start in 2026. 

MnDOT says the newly constructed bridges will give drivers better sight lines and will last for 60 years. 

During construction, motorists will have to navigate single-lane traffic on I-90 and Hwy 52. Temporary ramp detours will also be in place during the construction. 

The I-90/Hwy. 52 interchange project is one of seven major construction projects happening in southeast Minnesota this year. Keep scrolling to see the others.