Hwy 61 Resurfacing

Update

The Hwy 61 project between Lake City and Kellogg continues paving work along the 20-mile stretch, but will also be partially closing an intersection in Wabasha in late August to install the reduced conflict intersection.

Work is set to begin soon at Shields Avenue. It will close the main intersection for approximately two weeks, but a temporary road will be put in place to ensure access to businesses and residences. The area is open, but follow the direction of construction personnel and signs to access the area.

Paving and guardrail replacement work will continue. Traffic delays are likely during this work on two-lane portions of the project. Crews will use flaggers to stop traffic in one direction, while the other direction of traffic follows a pilot car through on the open lane. Once that traffic is through, the stopped traffic will proceed through.

The detour of Hwy 61 was lifted on Aug. 16, so motorists may continue to travel through. Lane restrictions will be in place in areas.

About this project

In 2019, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be resurfacing Hwy 61 from Hwy 42 to north of Lake City. As part of this project, MnDOT, in partnership with the City of Wabasha, will be improving safety access on the highway by constructing several reduced conflict intersections (RCIs).

Summary of work

Hwy 61 will be resurfaced with blacktop in the summer of 2019. Some crossings of Hwy 61 will be closed and reduced conflict intersections will be constructed through Wabasha.

• Culverts will be replaced and/or repaired to address drainage issues.
• Pedestrian facilities will be upgraded in Lake City to meet current ADA Standards.
  

Traffic impacts

• During the resurfacing work, often called a mill and overlay, traffic will be reduced to single lane traffic where the work is taking place. Intersections will have brief closures when the paving operation moves past them, which allows the blacktop to achieve a desired strength.
• Hwy 61 traffic will be detoured for approximately one month between Wabasha and Lake City on Wabasha County Roads 4 and 10 in order to complete culvert replacements. The detour is scheduled from July 15 - August 16, 2019.
• Lane closures for the RCIs will occur at the intersections of Hwy 60, Shields Ave, and County 30 (Bruegger Valley Rd) during the work through Wabasha. Eventually side street traffic will not be able to cross all four lanes at these locations. To learn more about RCIs go to MnDOT's website mndot.gov/roadwork/rci/.