REMINDER: Highway 14 Rochester construction begins May 5, expect traffic delays, backups
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Motorists are reminded that construction begins on Monday, May 5 on Highway 14 (12th Street South) in Rochester. Construction crews will start resurfacing the road from Highway 52 to Crossroads Dr. SW and from 3rd Ave. SE to Marion Rd. SE/15th Ave., which is expected to cause traffic delays and backups, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Motorists will be able to reach businesses, homes and other destinations along the road. Traffic will not be detoured during construction.
Some of the traffic lanes will be closed during the work, so motorists are likely to experience traffic delays. Plan ahead to use alternate routes or adjust your travel times to account for the expected delays.
Along with the road resurfacing will be sidewalk repairs and replacements, crosswalk improvements, and new pedestrian ramps. Construction is anticipated to last through Aug. 4.
There will also be temporary sidewalk closures. Signs along these routes will guide pedestrians safely around construction. Construction will also close bike lanes. You can see a map of the bike detour on the link here .
To learn more about the project and potential construction impacts, visit the MnDOT project website where you can sign up for construction updates. Know before you go.
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 and 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 on 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.
- Find road updates in Minnesota on 511mn.org or get a free app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Search job openings and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.
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