Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 65 Albert Lea Main Street Project

Albert Lea

About this project

Summary of work

Reconstruction of Hwy 65 from Newton Ave. to Shell Rock River Bridge in Albert Lea began April 25 and was completed Nov. 17, 2022.

Hwy 65 project map
Hwy 65 project map
  • Reconstructed Hwy 65 from Newton Ave. to the Shell Rock River Bridge
  • Improved drainage to reduce flood events
  • Repaved Hwy 65 from Shell Rock River Bridge to Sorenson Rd.
  • Reduced serious right-angle crashes with intersection modifications from Garfield Ave. to Prospect Ave., including Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCIs) at Prospect Ave. and Morningside Rd.
  • Made ADA and safety improvements including construction of new sidewalks and median refuges
  • Installed new traffic signal at Garfield Ave.
  • Installed new lighting

Please reference the final layout for detailed information.

Newton Ave. to Shellrock River Bridge

Project goals
  • Reduce flood events
  • Improve pedestrian access and safety
Solution
  • Reconstruct roadway and raise 2 feet at low point
  • Increase storm sewer intake capacity
  • Install backflow prevention
  • Widen sidewalks, add pedestrian refuges
  • Construct new sidewalk between Elizabeth Ave. and Katherine St.

Wilson St. to Ulstad Ave.

Project goals
  • Reduce number of right-angle crashes, or T-bone crashes, which are usually more serious. Right-angle crashes appear to be from cross street traffic
  • Resolve pedestrian access issues with unclear routes and improve safety
Solution
  • Limit access points and cross street traffic
  • Increase distance between access points
  • Install turn lanes
  • Construct new sidewalks
  • Add pedestrian refuges in the median

Fenton Ave. to Prospect Ave.

Project goals
  • Reduce number of right-angle crashes, or T-bone crashes, which are usually more serious. Right-angle crashes appear to be from cross street traffic
  • Resolve pedestrian access issues with unclear routes and improve safety
Solution
  • Limit access points and cross street traffic
  • Increase distance between access points
  • Install RCIs at Prospect Ave. and Morningside Rd.
  • Construct new sidewalks
  • Add pedestrian refuges in the median

Traffic impacts

No current traffic impacts - project is complete.