Hwy 52 Zumbrota to Cannon Falls construction begins April 10, expect traffic delays
ZUMBROTA, Minn. – Motorists should be prepared for the start of the Hwy 52 Zumbrota to Cannon Falls project on April 10 when crews begin preparing to route traffic into single lanes in each direction through the work zones north of Zumbrota, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The contractor will be moving traffic into single lanes in each direction. Traffic between Goodhue County Road 24 and just north of Goodhue County Road 9 will be traveling in the northbound lanes starting Thursday, April 13, weather permitting. Traffic between 415th Street (just north of Goodhue County Road 50) to just north of Goodhue County Road 68 (445th Street) in Zumbrota will be traveling in the northbound lanes starting the week of April 17.
Reconstruction of southbound Hwy 52 will be occurring in both locations. The replacement of the Hwy 52 southbound bridge over the Zumbro River will also occur in the work zone closest to Zumbrota.
Once construction begins, motorists can expect traffic delays at times through the construction zone especially during mornings, evenings and weekends.
Traffic impacts
The following lane closures, lane shifts and access closures will begin once construction starts and last for approximately seven months. When traffic is in a single lane in each direction on the northbound side, the use of left turns will be prohibited everywhere in the work zones. Access to and from roads and driveways will be limited to right-in and right-out movements only. The restriction during construction is to reduce abrupt speed changes that contribute to crashes.
Single lane closures and head-to-head traffic:
- Crews will be reducing Hwy 52 to a single lane in each direction. The lane closures and lane shifts will begin as noted and once construction starts, it will last approximately seven months. All dates are tentative and weather dependent.
North work zone:
- Starting April 10, Hwy 52 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction beginning at Goodhue County Road 24 in Cannon Falls and extending to 4,000 feet north of County Road 9.
- Motorist can expect single lane closures, lane shifts and single lane of traffic in each direction on the northbound lanes. Signs will give advance notice of lane changes.
South work zone:
- Starting April 17, Hwy 52 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction beginning at 415th Street (just north of Goodhue County Road 50) and extending to Goodhue County Road 68 (445th Street) in Zumbrota.
- Motorist can expect single lane closures, lane shifts and a single lane of traffic in each direction on the northbound lanes. Signs will give advance notice of lane changes.
Permanent township and county road access closures to Hwy 52 will occur in conjunction with the Hwy 52 single lane of traffic in each direction. These closures are permanent to improve long term safety along Hwy 52 by reducing uncontrolled intersection access.
- County Road 14 to Hwy 52 (southbound)
- Close access of County Road 1 (southbound and northbound)
Closures starting April 17:
- County Road 50 Boulevard to Hwy 52 (southbound and northbound)
- 142nd Avenue Way (southbound)
Additional county and township roads along with driveways will have access restrictions to Hwy 52 in conjunction with the single lane of traffic in each direction on the northbound lanes. The restrictions will prohibit the use of left turns to all traffic except emergency vehicles. Access to and from the following roads will be limited to right-in and right-out movements only. These restriction during construction are to reduce abrupt speed changes that contribute to crashes. Visit the project website for more detailed information on these closures and information on the combined points of access.
Restriction starting April 13:
- Skunk Hollow Trail
- Wagner Hill Way
- Additional local roads and driveways
Closures starting April 17:
- 145th Avenue Way
- Goodhue County Road 7
- Sherwood Trail
- 165th Avenue – Closed west of Hwy 52 (southbound)
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
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for updates.
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