Hwy 14 paving work begins in southeast Rochester Sept. 6, expect lane closures, traffic delays
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Motorists will encounter lane closures on Highway 14 in southeast Rochester beginning Sept. 6, which may produce traffic backups during busy morning and afternoon drive times, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Beginning on Sept. 6, crews will be closing traffic lanes to prepare for paving, as well as improvements to signals and the intersections for people who walk. The lane closures allow crews to safely work and keep the public safe and the roads open. Paving work is scheduled to begin Sept. 19, weather permitting. As many as 23,000 vehicles on average per day travel through portions of this corridor, so the lane closures may result in slower traffic flow in each direction of this busy area on Rochester’s east side between Broadway and Olmsted County Road 22 near Rochester Community and Technical College.
What you can do
- Use the zipper merge where lane closures and merge signs are present. The zipper merge (using both traffic lanes and taking turns at the merge point) can improve safety and traffic flow. Learn more on MnDOT’s website.
- Get road condition and traffic updates in Minnesota on the 511mn.org website or get a free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Learn more about the project, sign up for email and text message updates at the MnDOT construction project website or check out SE Minnesota MnDOT construction projects at MnDOT’s website.
Safety
Motorists may encounter lane closures or lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, equipment and other unexpected obstacles when driving near or through work zones. MnDOT advises motorists to:
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Go hands-free and minimize other distractions (e.g., don’t eat or drink while driving).
- Follow posted speed limits; the fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Avoid making lane changes within work zones.
Stay connected, informed
- Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group for news, information and events in the region.
- Interested in a job with MnDOT? Career information for the State of Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Come join us.
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