Hwy 61 resurfacing

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Update

Construction is scheduled to be complete on June 30 for the Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) at Hwy 61 and Hwy 42 near Kellogg. The traffic impacts that began on June 7 end on June 30 and the RCI opens to traffic that day. 

Navigating a RCI

In an RCI, drivers always make a right turn, followed by a U-turn. Motorists approaching divided highways from a side street are not allowed to make left turns or cross traffic; instead, they are required to turn right onto the highway and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening. This reduces potential conflict points and increases safety. Generally, the delay caused by a signal is greater than the delay caused by the RCI.

Summary of work

Repaving:

• Repaving 27 miles of southbound Hwy 61 from Wabasha to Minnesota City

Bridge improvements:

• Improving three northbound and four southbound bridges
• Northbound and southbound bridges over the Zumbro River, north of Kellogg
• Northbound and southbound bridges over Snake Creek, north of 608th St.
• Southbound bridge over East Indian Creek, south of Wabasha Co. Rd. 14
• Northbound and southbound bridges over Whitewater River, south of Weaver

Hwy 61 and Hwy 42 intersection:

• Installing a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI)

Improvements in Weaver:

• Resurfacing 0.3 miles of Hwy 74
• Removing portions of sidewalk
• Installing ADA ramp connection to historic building

Traffic impacts

• Traffic will be reduced to a single lane for northbound and southbound vehicles through the construction zone from April 18 to late October. Some stretches may be up to 14 miles long.
• During bridge work, traffic will travel in a single lane on the bridge.
• When the RCI is installed at the Hwy 61 and Hwy 42 intersection, the following traffic impacts will occur. Work is scheduled to begin June 7 and be complete June 30. :
  • Hwy 61 traffic will not be detoured but will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • Traffic on Hwy 61 wanting to access Hwy 42 will go west on Co. Rd. 18 then south on Co. Rd. 4 to get onto Hwy 42.
  • Hwy 42 traffic will go north on Co. Rd. 4 then east on Co. Rd. 18 to travel on Hwy 61.
  • Signs will be in place to direct motorists to Hwy 42 businesses, such as SVJ Creative Designs and Cowpokes Western Shop.
• Some portions of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) will be in the construction zone and will require areas of the trail to be closed. Signs will warn vehicles and bikers to share the road, reduce speed and be prepared for narrow lanes.
• More information can be found in the Construction Information tab.