MnDOT announces 2021 state construction projects

“Safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable transportation is vital to the quality of life and economic success of our state,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “Although Minnesota’s transportation needs greatly outnumber available resources, this year’s construction program demonstrates MnDOT’s commitment to making smart investments in our system to better serve all people.” 

Highlights of this year’s program in southeast Minnesota include:

• Expanding 12.5 miles of Highway 14 between Dodge Center and Owatonna from two lanes to four lanes to improve capacity, safety, travel times and access. When finished in 2022, this project will complete a continuous four-lane road between Mankato and Rochester. 
• Reconstructing Highway 52 southbound between Cannon Falls and Zumbrota, building an interchange at Hwy 52 and Hwy 57/Goodhue County Road 8 and making other safety improvements. This is one of the Highway 52 corridor projects that is planned between Rochester and St. Paul from 2021 through 2024.
• Completing Highway 63/Interstate 90 project north of Stewartville in August of 2021. This project began in 2020 and includes replacing two bridges, making interchange improvements and rerouting Hwy 30 and 90^th Street SE.
• Resurfacing 8.5 miles of Highway 250 from South Branch Root River at Lanesboro to Highway 30 and replacing eight culverts.
• Resurfacing 8 miles of Highway 21 through Shieldsville from about one mile west of I-35 to Highway 99, installing new turn lanes and/or bypass lanes at several locations and improving intersection safety at Rice County Road 62 (Halstad Avenue).

Highlights of this year’s program in other areas of Minnesota include:

• Completing the I-35W/I-94 project in Minneapolis in fall 2021. This project along a 2.5-mile stretch of I-35W began in August 2017 and includes rebuilding 11 bridges and repairing four more, installing new pavement on the 50-year-old freeway, building MnPASS lanes near downtown and a bus station at Lake St. for better transit service, and adding wider and more accessible pedestrian bridges.
• Beginning pavement repair and resurfacing in St. Paul on I-94 between Western Avenue and Mounds Boulevard and on I-35E between I-94 and University Avenue. Work includes resurfacing ramps and frontage roads, repairing bridges, fixing drainage and making ADA improvements and sidewalk improvements.
• Beginning significant work on the Twin Ports Interchange in Duluth. This multi-year project will enhance safety by eliminating blind merges and left exits, replacing aging infrastructure and improving freight mobility.
• Resurfacing 15.6 miles of Highway 200 near the south shore of Leech Lake, replacing two culverts, widening shoulders and adding turn lanes to improve drainage and safety while creating a longer lasting road.
• Reconstructing Highway 10 in Elk River between Simonet Drive and Lowell Avenue, adding multi-use trail, and improving access at Proctor Avenue.

• Resurfacing Highway 87 from Frazee to Becker/Wadena County Line. Project includes 26 miles of resurfacing, widening shoulders between Frazee and Evergreen, and replacing bridge/box culverts east of Frazee.
• Resurfacing Highway 60 from Highway 14 to Highway 13 in Waterville and reconstructing through Madison Lake. This project will improve sidewalks and crossings, update pedestrian ramps to meet ADA requirements, modify access and turn lanes, and improve county road lighting.
• Realigning Highway 12 and reconstructing Highway 40, including adding two new bridges, to facilitate a new railroad line (Willmar Wye) on the west side of Willmar.

“Our crews work tirelessly to keep our transportation safe for all people, and we appreciate Minnesotans’ patience and understanding,” Anderson Kelliher said. “Remember, we’re all in the work zone together. Watch out for work zones, travel at the posted speed limit, put your phone away and avoid distractions while driving.”

Motorists can stay informed about projects and other transportation topics by connecting to MnDOT via social media, as well as by signing up to receive email updates at www.mndot.gov.

Minnesotans can also find an interactive map and full 2021 project list at mndot.gov/construction. Individual project pages include information about construction schedules, traffic impacts, maps, benefits and costs.