The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) confirmed Thursday that the busy stretch of Hwy. 14 between South Broadway Avenue and 3rd Ave. SE in Rochester has reopened. The lane closure, which began Monday to allow a railroad‑crossing replacement, was completed ahead of the original Friday deadline.
Early Completion Benefits Drivers
During the work, traffic was detoured south of Hwy. 14, causing delays for commuters and freight operators. MnDOT District 6 spokesperson Mike Dougherty told News Talk 1340 KROC‑AM and 96.9 FM’s Rochester Today that the project’s early finish restores normal flow for the corridor, which sees roughly 50,000 vehicles each day.
Future Improvements Planned for the Corridor
While the crossing repair is finished, MnDOT has announced a larger reconstruction project for the Hwy. 14 and South Broadway intersection slated to begin next year. The upcoming work will narrow the existing medians, reconfigure on‑ramps for right‑turning traffic, and add dedicated left‑turn lanes for both westbound and eastbound Hwy. 14 traffic heading toward South Broadway.
The agency has not yet set a firm start date for the intersection overhaul, but officials indicated that a temporary closure of the intersection will be required once construction begins. Dougherty said the specific closure dates will be communicated to the public well in advance.
What Residents Should Expect
Motorists can now resume their usual routes on the reopened beltline, but they should stay alert for future detours when the intersection project commences. MnDOT plans to provide regular updates through its website and local media outlets, ensuring that Rochester drivers have ample notice of any upcoming disruptions.
Rochester’s transportation network remains a critical component of the region’s economy, supporting commuters, local businesses, and the city’s growing population. The swift completion of the rail‑crossing repair reflects MnDOT’s commitment to keeping the city’s arteries moving efficiently.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
