About this project
Summary of work
Beginning in July 2023, MnDOT will resurface approximately 10 miles of Hwy 61 from Lake City to Red Wing. Rochester Sand and Gravel has been selected as the contractor for this project with construction scheduled to begin in early July through early September 2023. The following is the planned work:
- Resurface approximately 10 miles of Hwy 61 from Lake City to Red Wing
- Add passing lanes in both directions near Frontenac
- Turn the intersection at the western end of 296th St. into a cul-de-sac to accommodate the passing lane
- Realign intersections to improve visibility
- Widen the road in multiple places to accommodate a bike lane
- Upgrade guardrails
- Complete bridge maintenance
- Update pavement markings to improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists
Details of work
Each day, approximately 8,000 drivers rely on Hwy 61 to travel to and from work, school and home and transport goods to regional destinations. The highway needs updates to restore the life of the aging road.
In a process called mill and overlay, MnDOT will remove (or mill) a 1.5-inch layer of pavement from the road and then repave it (or overlay) with a new, three-inch layer of asphalt. This process will provide a smoother road surface for motorists and restore the life of the aging highway. Pavement markings will also be updated, improving safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
The project will also include adding passing lanes near Frontenac to reduce congestion and allow an area for safer passing between Lake City and Red Wing. To create the bypass lanes, MnDOT will turn an intersection at the western end of 296th St. into a cul-de-sac.
MnDOT will also realign some intersections so that vehicles waiting to enter or cross Hwy 61 will have improved visibility, widen the road in multiple places to accommodate a bike lane, upgrade guardrails and complete bridge maintenance.
