Hwy 14 paving work begins July 7 on Rochester’s Beltline, expect traffic delays
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Motorists on Highway 14 (12th Street South) in Rochester will encounter traffic delays starting July 7 when construction crews begin removing pavement to prepare for paving, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The paving work is from Highway 52 to Crossroads Dr. SW and from 3rd Ave. SE to Marion Rd. SE/15th Ave. People who come through the Highway 14 and Broadway intersection will be affected. Crews will remove 3 inches of asphalt and then replace it with two layers of new asphalt to return to original the height – 1.5 inches each pass. Crews plan to start in the outside or right lane, which will be closed. The left lane will be open during this work, but all lanes will eventually be paved this month.
Traffic signals will be temporarily disabled when the paving operation comes through an intersection with a traffic signal. Temporary stop signs will be placed during this short period of time and law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic as needed. Motorists can expect longer traffic backups during this time of the paving work.
Traffic is not detoured during construction, and motorists can reach all businesses along the work zone. Motorists should plan ahead to use alternate routes or adjust their travel times to account for the expected delays.
Construction is anticipated to continue through Aug. 4.
There are temporary sidewalk closures in areas along the project. Signs along these routes will guide pedestrians safely around construction. Bike lanes are also temporarily closed. You can see a map of the bike detour on the link here .
To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website where you can sign up for construction 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 and informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
###