MnDOT has detailed the project to detour Highway 99 in both Le Sueur and Rice County. This is a project that is a welcomed addition for many as the tooth chattering, tire jarring, drive at your own peril road is in some rough shape in spots. I should know I drive it daily to and from work. 

Beginning on May 20th drivers can expect to be detoured off of Highway 99 in both Cleveland and from Highway 13 to Highway 21 in both Le Sueur and Rice County. The project is estimated to cost $7.5 million and will focus on the following improvements according to MnDOT:

  • Improved pavement, smoother road surface
  • Improved drainage
  • Improved sidewalk system that meets ADA (American Disability Act) requirements
  • Safer intersections with turn lanes and lighting

You can see both detours affecting those that use Highway 99 below.

Image Credit: MnDOT
Image Credit: MnDOT
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Image Credit: MnDOT
Image Credit: MnDOT
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Other area road construction projects are getting into full swing with a portion of downtown Faribault closed to vehicles due to the complete road overhaul taking place on Highway 60 (4th Street NW). Also causing some regional headaches is the bridge replacement project on Highway 57. Motorists north of Mantorville near Berne will encounter a detour as construction crews begin replacing three bridges, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The three bridges being replaced on 57 are between Mantorville and Wanamingo. The bridges are over the North Branch Middle Fork Zumbro River, Middle Fork Zumbro River, and Milliken Creek.

Highway 57 is closed to through traffic and is currently being detoured to Highway 56 via Goodhue County Road 11 north of construction and Dodge County Road 16 south of construction. Detour signs will be placed for accessing Berne from Highway 56 via Dodge County Road 24. The project is expected to be finished Oct. 25.

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