News Release

WILLMAR, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Transportation office in Marshall announced today that, weather permitting, improvements to Highway 14 west of Tracy will get underway next week. Traffic will be detoured during the project and barricades are expected to be in place the week of May 6.

Highway 14 motorists will be detoured to County Roads and State Highways (see attached map). The detour adds approximately 10 miles.

According to Paul Jurek, Mn/DOT project supervisor, plans call for construction of turn lanes, culverts, edge drains, and a bituminous mill and overlay from the west city limits of Tracy to junction Highway 59. Improvements to the railroad crossing at Garvin are also planned. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete mid-summer.

The prime contractor for the $1.8 million project is Central Specialties of Alexandra, Minn.

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones.

For statewide up-to-date traveler information, motorists can dial 511 on a wireless telephone or 800-542-0220. Traveler information and other transportation related information is also available on the Mn/DOT web site at www.dot.state.mn.us.