Southbound Hwy 52 off-ramp turn lane changes begin at 2nd St SW in Rochester
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Motorists who exit Highway 52 southbound at 2nd Street Southwest in Rochester will have turn lane changes and may experience traffic congestion especially during peak travel hours, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Motorists exiting Highway 52 southbound at 2nd St SW will have single lanes each for left turns, through traffic to 6th St SW and right turns. The changes remove one left turn lane option that was shared by the middle lane for through traffic.
- Motorists who turn left to travel east should use the left lane. Second St SW continues to be closed and detoured several blocks east of the interchange.
- Motorists who travel straight through the intersection south toward 6th St SW should use the middle lane.
- Motorists who turn right should continue to use the right lane to travel west.
Motorists see congestion at peak travel times in this area, and it’s expected to continue with these changes during construction. Motorists should plan for extra time if their routes take them through this interchange.
The changes are related to the city of Rochester’s Link bus rapid transit project as it progresses along 2nd St SW. It allows the construction work to continue in this area without closing the road. The change in turning lanes is expected to be in place approximately one month, weather permitting. The work will change to other sections of the interchange and require other turn lane changes in September. Those changes will be announced in advance of the work.
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for project updates
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