News Release
May 3, 2021 Contact: Mike Dougherty, MnDOT District 6
Director of Communications, Public Engagement
507-251-2749
michael.dougherty@state.mn.us
Hwy 14 lane closures, traffic changes scheduled to begin May 3 in Dodge, Steele counties
CLAREMONT, Minn. – Motorists on Hwy 14 will encounter lane closures and traffic changes on the east and west ends of the highway expansion project beginning on Monday, May 3, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
On Monday, the left lanes of traffic will be closed in each direction at both ends of the Hwy 14 expansion project. Beginning Wednesday, weather permitting, motorists at both ends will then be routed into single lane traffic in each direction. The traffic changes will be on the west and east sides where four lanes of traffic are located just before the transition where traffic is on the existing two-lane portion of the road.
Also Wednesday, motorists will be slowed on Hwy 14 west of Dodge Center, while crews are removing highway markings and patching. Trucks with warning signs and temporary road signs will be present for motorists to slow down through the portion. The work is expected to take one day.
Overall, the project is expanding 12.5 miles of Hwy 14 from two lanes to four lanes between Dodge Center and Owatonna to complete a continuous four-lane road between New Ulm and Rochester. The project is intended to improve the capacity, safety, travel times and access between Rochester and Owatonna, as well as the I-35 corridor. The expansion area is a new route for Hwy 14, which will stay south of the railroad tracks on the west side of the project, travel south of Claremont and connect with the four-lane highway west of Dodge Center.
Shafer Contracting of Shafer, Minn., is the prime contractor for the $107,997,119 construction project. Traffic is expected to be on the new route in fall of 2021 with additional work planned for 2022 to complete the project.
Following guidance from state health officials and to prevent further spread of COVID-19, MnDOT crews will maintain physical distancing practices while working.
Safety
Motorists may encounter lane closures or lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, equipment and other unexpected obstacles when driving near or through work zones. MnDOT advises motorists to:
• Find up-to-date information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times
• Go hands-free and minimize other distractions (e.g., don’t eat or drink while driving
• Follow posted speed limits; the fine for speeding in a work zone is $300
• Avoid making lane changes within work zones
Stay connected, informed
• Learn more about the project and sign up for email updates at the MnDOT construction project website or check out all of the MnDOT construction projects in the region at MnDOT’s website.
• Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group for news, information and events in the region
• Follow us on MnDOT Southeast on Twitter for updates, information and initiatives
Mike Dougherty
Director of Public Engagement and Communications
MnDOT, District 6, Rochester
507-251-2749
Twitter: @mndotsoutheast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MnDOTsoutheast/