Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

News releases

July 12, 2024

Latest news releases

MnDOT to celebrate rededication of golden panels on Interstate 90 near Blue Earth with a ribbon cutting ceremony, July 18

What

A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-installation of golden panels on Interstate 90 west of Blue Earth.

In 1978, concrete panels near Blue Earth were tinted gold to commemorate the completion of over 3,000 miles of I-90 to be reminiscent of the ‘Golden Spike’ that symbolized completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. However, most of the golden panels were paved over when the interstate needed repaving in 2006.

As part of the current 20-mile pavement project on I-90 from Blue Earth to south of Wells, the golden panels were reinstalled in their original locations across the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90, just west of Blue Earth.

Funding for the nearly $91 million project was primarily from federal funds.

When

Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Where

Eastbound I-90 near Blue Earth; on the new golden panel located near the eastbound Blue Earth rest area

Who

  • Nancy Daubenberger MnDOT Commissioner
  • Federal, state, and local dignitaries have been invited
  • The public is invited to attend this event.

Directions to the event

From southbound Highway 169 in Blue Earth, MnDOT will direct traffic to travel up the eastbound I-90 exit ramp, and drive west on eastbound I-90 to the eastbound Blue Earth Rest Area.

After the event

Traffic will be directed to travel on eastbound I-90, and exit at Highway 169 near Blue Earth.

Parking

Parking will be available in the eastbound I-90 Blue Earth rest area parking lot.

Other information

If the weather is inclement, the event will be held at the MnDOT Blue Earth Truck Station (38379 115th Street, Blue Earth)

Editor’s note

Eastbound I-90 from Blue Earth to Faribault County Road 17 will be complete in late July, and the ramps at Highway 169 will reopen to traffic. Construction on I-90 from Faribault County Road 17 to Highway 22 south of Wells is expected to be complete in late October, weather permitting.

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