Hwy 52 reopens to traffic at I-90 after culvert replacement

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Highway 52 at Interstate 90 southeast of Rochester has reopened to traffic after a five-day closure and detour for a culvert replacement, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

What's open

Highway 52 northbound and southbound
On-ramps to eastbound and westbound I-90
I-90 off-ramps to northbound Highway 52

What's closed

I-90 off-ramps to southbound Highway 52 -- follow detour signs

I-90 eastbound and westbound motorists wanting to go south on Hwy 52 should take Exit 218 and travel north on Hwy 52, then exit to 50th Ave., turn left and exit to southbound Hwy 52.
I-90 motorists may also take Exit 224 near Eyota and go south on Olmsted Co. Rd. 7 to access Hwy 52 north of Chatfield.

People can view 511mn.org or the free mobile app to see traffic impacts and updates on schedules.

This work is part of a three-year project that started July 15. During the project, crews will be replacing the I-90 bridges over Highway 52, constructing a new ramp for southbound Highway 52 to eastbound I-90, reconstructing all ramps and loops and replacing large culverts under interchange ramps. The project is expected to improve safety on the interchange ramps and intersections, increase clearance under the I-90 bridges over Highway 52 and improve traffic flow and reduce traffic delays through the interchange, which is a busy commuter and freight route. To learn more about this project, go to MnDOT’s website where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.

Safety in work zones

Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Do the zipper merge.
Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

Stay connected, informed

Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.

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