Motorists reminded no left turns allowed in Highway 52 work zones
ZUMBROTA, Minn. – Highway 52 motorists are reminded that left turns in the work zone between Zumbrota and Cannon Falls are not allowed, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Construction resumed earlier in April. Traffic between Goodhue County Road 24 and just north of Goodhue County Road 9 is traveling in single lanes in each direction in the northbound lanes. Traffic between 415th Street (just north of Goodhue County Road 50) to just north of Goodhue County Road 68 (445th Street) in Zumbrota is traveling in single lanes in each direction in the northbound lanes.
Motorists who want to make left turns typically will need to travel to the next exit where they can cross over and return in the opposite direction to make a right turn or exit the road on the right to reach locations no longer accessed from Highway 52. The left-turn restriction during construction is to reduce abrupt speed changes that contribute to crashes.
State troopers will be patrolling the work zone to monitor motorist speeds and ensure that unsafe turns are not being made.
These lane closures and shifts are expected to be in place until mid-November, when the project is completed.
Reconstruction of southbound Highway 52 will be occurring in both locations.
Motorists can expect traffic delays at times through the construction zone especially during mornings, evenings and weekends.
Hwy 52 construction north of work zone
A separate construction project began north of the Cannon Falls to Zumbrota project on Wednesday, April 26. Highway 52 traffic was moved into a single lane in the right lane from Highway 55 in Rosemount to south of Highway 50 near Hampton, as crews set cones and striped the road to prepare for this year’s construction on Highway 52.
Then beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 1, the contractor will move Highway 52 traffic into a single lane in each direction in the southbound lanes, from Highway 55 in Rosemount to south of Highway 50 near Hampton, as crews repave the road with concrete.
When traffic is in a single lane in each direction on the southbound 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 following ramps to northbound Highway 52 will also be closed and detoured:
- Dakota County Road 42
- Highway 50
These lane closures are needed as crews begin construction for the 2023-2024 project to resurface Highway 52 between County Road 42 in Rosemount and County Road 86 in Hampton Township.
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.
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