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About this project
Summary of work
Reconstruction of Hwy 65 from Newton Ave. to Shell Rock River Bridge in Albert Lea is scheduled for April 25 to October 2022. The project will be divided into four stages. Detour routes, construction staging and timing are available on the Construction page.

- Reconstruct Hwy 65 from Newton Ave. to the Shell Rock River Bridge
- Improve drainage to reduce flood events
- Repave Hwy 65 from Shell Rock River Bridge to Sorenson Rd.
- Reduce serious right-angle crashes with intersection modifications from Garfield Ave. to Prospect Ave., including Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCIs) at Prospect Ave. and Morningside Rd.
- Make ADA and safety improvements including construction of new sidewalks and median refuges
- Install new traffic signal at Garfield Ave.
- Install new lighting
Please reference the final layout for detailed information.
Newton Ave. to Shellrock River Bridge
Project goals
- Reduce flood events
- Improve pedestrian access and safety
Solution
- Reconstruct roadway and raise 2 feet at low point
- Increase storm sewer intake capacity
- Install backflow prevention
- Widen sidewalks, add pedestrian refuges
- Construct new sidewalk between Elizabeth Ave. and Katherine St.
Wilson St. to Ulstad Ave.
Project goals
- Reduce number of right-angle crashes, or T-bone crashes, which are usually more serious. Right-angle crashes appear to be from cross street traffic
- Resolve pedestrian access issues with unclear routes and improve safety
Solution
- Limit access points and cross street traffic
- Increase distance between access points
- Install turn lanes
- Construct new sidewalks
- Add pedestrian refuges in the median
Fenton Ave. to Prospect Ave.
Project goals
- Reduce number of right-angle crashes, or T-bone crashes, which are usually more serious. Right-angle crashes appear to be from cross street traffic
- Resolve pedestrian access issues with unclear routes and improve safety
Solution
- Limit access points and cross street traffic
- Increase distance between access points
- Install RCIs at Prospect Ave. and Morningside Rd.
- Construct new sidewalks
- Add pedestrian refuges in the median