I-90 lane changes near Rochester begin April 4 to prepare for bridge demolition

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Motorists on Interstate 90 will see lane closures beginning April 4 as traffic is changed to prepare for demolition of the eastbound bridge over Highway 52 next week, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

I-90 traffic will be moved to single lanes in each direction in the westbound lanes to allow for the demolition of the eastbound I-90 bridge. This will also close the I-90 eastbound off-ramp at Hwy 52 on April 4. Originally, the lane changes were scheduled for next week, but weather forecasts have prompted the earlier change to ensure the pavement markings can be placed, which will direct traffic into the new configuration.

Bridge demolition is scheduled for April 8-12.

The I-90 bridge demolition April 8-12 will mean:

Motorists traveling on Highway 52 from Rochester will be detoured to be able to travel further south on Highway 52 or on I-90.
Southbound Hwy 52 motorists from Rochester will be detoured onto Highway 63 south in Rochester to I-90 at Stewartville, where they can travel east. Motorists wanting to continue south on Highway 52 will exit I-90 east of the interchange at the Eyota exit (Exit 224) and travel south on Olmsted County Road 7, which meets Highway 52 north of Chatfield.
Northbound Hwy 52 motorists from Chatfield, Preston and other communities will take Olmsted County Road 7 north to I-90 and then use the westbound I-90 on-ramp at Eyota. Motorists can then use the Rochester Highway 52 north exit (Exit 218) to continue north.

After demolition, motorists will be able to use southbound Highway 52 from Rochester to reach the eastbound I-90 on-ramp. Motorists who want to travel further south on Highway 52 into Marion and beyond will be detoured using the I-90 eastbound on-ramp and travel to the next I-90 exit (Exit 224) at Eyota and then travel south on Olmsted County Road 7. This detour will be in place until November once the bridge demolition is completed.

During the three-year 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.
Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us at MnDOT Southeast on X.
Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota.
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