News Release

(Roseville, Minn.)--The Minnesota Department of Transportation's Metro Division announced that it will begin installing a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 52 and Dakota County Road 46 on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Since this intersection opened in early June it has been the scene of eight crashes, two of which involved fatalities. On Aug. 13, Mn/DOT restricted access to Highway 52 at the intersection until the traffic signal work is complete.

According to Mn/DOT officials, the work should take about a month. Once the signal is in place, Mn/DOT will allow traffic from Cty Rd. 46 to access Hwy 52 via the signalized intersection.

The work will include advance warning flashers on both sides of the intersection on Hwy 52. These flashers are placed several hundred feet before the intersection, and are designed to begin flashing shortly before the light at the intersection changes to red. Some minor lane closures will occur during off-peak times to allow crews to install the necessary electronics in the roadway.

Mn/DOT and Dakota County are currently developing a plan to build an interchange at the intersection that will elevate Cty Rd 46 over Hwy 52 and provide access ramps, similar to those on a freeway.

Dakota County is the second fastest growing county in Minnesota, next to Scott County. Traffic counts on Hwy 52 at the intersection with CR 46 are about 28,000 vehicles a day.

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to SLOW DOWN in work zones and NEVER enter roadways blocked with barriers or cones. Please join us in a safety partnership.

For updated traffic information in the Twin Cities metro area, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/tmc/trafficinfo. For updated construction information in the Twin Cities metro area, visit www.dot.state.mn.us/construction.html. Visit 511mn.org. for updated statewide traffic and travel information.

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