Construction on I-90 from Blue Earth to Highway 22 south of Wells begins April 17
MANKATO, Minn. – Construction on Interstate 90 from Blue Earth to Highway 22 south of Wells is expected to begin on Monday, April 17, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Motorists are advised to expect lane restrictions and ramp closures during construction.
Approximately 20 miles of I-90 will be resurfaced from two miles west of Highway 169 near Blue Earth to Highway 22 south of Wells during the two-year (2023-2024) project. Both eastbound and westbound I-90 will be improved, as well as ramps, bridges, culverts, and lighting along the project. The westbound lanes and ramps will be under construction until late October 2023, weather permitting. The westbound I-90 rest area will be closed for approximately two months through May, June, and July. Eastbound I-90 will be under construction in 2024.
To commemorate the completion of I-90 in 1978, concrete panels near Blue Earth were tinted gold, reminiscent of the ‘Golden Spike’ that symbolized completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869. In 2006, when I-90 needed repaving, most of the golden panels were paved over. As part of the 2023-2024 construction project, the golden panels will be reestablished in their same locations across both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90.
Traffic impacts
During the initial stage of construction, motorists can expect lane and shoulder closures on eastbound and westbound I-90.
Starting in early or mid-May, westbound I-90 traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes. Traffic will be maintained with two-way traffic, one lane in each direction, in the eastbound lanes. I-90 will remain open to through traffic during construction. Westbound ramps at interchanges will be closed at varying times during construction. All ramps at the Highway 169 interchange will remain open during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The westbound I-90 rest area located just west of Blue Earth will also be temporarily closed for approximately two months during this year’s construction project.
Visit the I-90 project website and www.511mn.org for detour information during ramp closures.
Project benefits and costs
Benefits of the project include improved pavement, bridges, drainage, and lighting. Other benefits include improved sidewalks at the Blue Earth Rest Areas to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. PCiRoads was awarded the design-build project with a bid of $80,192,151.70.
Stay connected
- visit the I-90 project website for more information, to sign up for email and text message updates.
Important work zone safety reminders
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
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