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About this project
Summary of work
In 2022, MnDOT repaved and replaced culverts on Hwy 43 from Rushford to Mabel. The road opened to traffic Sept. 16 and the remainder of the work was completed the second week of November.
- Repaved 22 miles of Hwy 43
- Stabilized three areas of eroding slopes and shoulders
- Replaced all guardrail
- Replaced 11 centerline drainage pipes
- Repaired 55 centerline drainage pipes
Additional details
This project was a flex project, meaning construction could have began as early as 2022 or move to 2023. The funding was secured and construction began May 23.
This project addressed the erosion along the hillsides and near the roadway. Three areas were identified where work was done to stabilize the slopes and maximize the roadway width as much as possible. This section of Hwy 43 is an extremely rugged area and poses many engineering challenges, especially in balancing the needs of the highway and impacting private property.
This was a pavement preservation project, so there was not enough funding to change the geometrics or remove sharp curves. However, MnDOT repaired several locations where the shoulder/road needed repair or reinforcing adjacent to ravines. Work improved and stabilized the shoulders, and where there was width available, increased usable shoulder widths of 2-4 feet. Due to the steep slopes, there are still areas where the roadway shoulder width will be minimal and the guardrail will be near the edge of the 12-foot travel lane. All guardrail was replaced.