The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced that Hwy 52 will be closed in both directions at the I‑90 interchange southeast of Rochester starting at 1 a.m. Monday. The closure, originally slated for earlier this month, was delayed because of heavy rain that hit southeast Minnesota last weekend.

What’s being done

During the three‑day shutdown crews will remove the temporary bridge work on the I‑90 westbound overpass, paint the bridge rails and beams, complete final pavement on northbound and southbound Hwy 52, and install temporary striping. The recently‑completed flyover ramp that connects southbound Hwy 52 with eastbound I‑90 is also part of the work and will be closed.

Detour routes

Motorists traveling south on Hwy 52 will be routed to I‑90 via Hwy 63 in Rochester. From there they will enter westbound I‑90 and exit at County Rd 7, which leads back to Hwy 52 north of Chatfield.

Northbound Hwy 52 drivers will follow a similar pattern: they will be directed to I‑90 via County Rd 7, then exit I‑90 at the Hwy 52 exit to continue north. Eastbound I‑90 drivers seeking southbound Hwy 52 will also use the County Rd 7 interchange.

Eastbound I‑90 motorists looking for northbound Hwy 52 can reach it by taking Hwy 63 northbound.

Timeline

The closure is scheduled to begin at 1 a.m. Monday and the highway is expected to reopen by 9 p.m. Wednesday. The project, a $27.5 million effort to transform the interchange, is now in its third and final year.

Impact on local traffic

While the detour adds a few extra miles for commuters, MnDOT says the alternate routes are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Residents are encouraged to allow extra travel time and to follow posted signage.

Local businesses and emergency services have been notified of the temporary changes. The department will monitor traffic conditions throughout the closure and will provide updates as needed.

Looking ahead

Once the work is completed, the upgraded interchange will provide a safer, more efficient connection between Hwy 52 and I‑90, supporting the region’s growing transportation needs.

Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.