Minnesota Department of Transportation

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June 20, 2024

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Eastbound Interstate 90 exit ramp closure at Faribault County Road 17 east of Blue Earth begins June 24

MANKATO, Minn. – Motorists are advised that the eastbound Interstate 90 exit ramp to Faribault County Road 17 east of Blue Earth is expected to close June 24 until early August, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The entrance ramp from Highway 169 near Blue Earth to eastbound I-90 remains closed until mid-July. Traffic is detoured to Faribault County Roads 16 and 17.

The eastbound I-90 exit ramp to Highway 169 near Blue Earth also remains closed until mid-July. Traffic is detoured to Faribault County Roads 1, 8 and 6.

Traffic on I-90 is currently maintained with two-way (head-to-head) traffic, one lane in each direction, in the westbound lanes from just west of Blue Earth to one mile east of Faribault County Road 17.

The eastbound and westbound I-90 rest areas located just west of Blue Earth remain closed as pavement in the parking areas will be replaced. The eastbound I-90 rest area is scheduled to open in mid-August, the westbound in mid-October.

The project is expected to be complete in late-October, weather permitting.

Project information, benefits, and costs

MnDOT is resurfacing approximately 20 miles of I-90 from Highway 169 near Blue Earth to Highway 22 south of Wells. This is the second year of a two-year project.

Construction this year includes resurfacing eastbound I-90, as well as ramps, bridges, culverts, and lighting along the project. Pavement at the eastbound and westbound I-90 rest areas west of Blue Earth will also be improved as part of this year’s project, along with sidewalk to meet Americans with Disability Act standards.  Construction on the westbound lanes of I-90 was completed in 2023.

To commemorate the completion of I-90 in 1978, concrete panels near Blue Earth were tinted gold, reminiscent of the ‘Golden Spike’ that symbolized completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869. In 2006, when I-90 needed repaving, most of the golden panels were paved over. As part of this project, the golden panels will be reestablished in their same locations across both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90.

Benefits of the project include improved pavement, bridges, drainage, and lighting. Other benefits include improved sidewalks at the Blue Earth Rest Areas to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. PCiRoads is the prime contractor on the $90,100,000.00 project.

Stay connected, informed

  • Visit the I-90 project website for more information and to sign up for email and text message updates.
  • Information will also be shared on the MnDOT South Central Minnesota Facebook group and follow us on X @mndotscentral.
  • For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

Work Zone safety reminders:

  • Slow down when approaching every work zone
  • Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
  • Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
  • Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
  • Minimize distractions behind the wheel
  • Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

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