Repair Project for Rochester-Area Overpass Struck by Dump Truck To Start August 20, Hwy. 52 Detour Planned
Oronoco, MN (KROC-AM News)- A project to repair a Rochester-area overpass will prompt a detour on Hwy. 52 later this month.
See Also: Lewiston Woman Suffers Severe Injuries After Camper Top Flies Through Windshield
The 85th St. NW bridge north of Rochester was struck by a dump truck that had its bed raised on November 14 of last year.
The incident caused a substantial traffic backup and eventually led to the closure of southbound Hwy. 52.
In March the driver of the dump truck, identified as Jeffery Wayne Faulharber of Hayfield, was ticketed for excessive vehicle height.
Read More: Dump Truck Driver Cited for Striking Rochester-Area Overpass with Raised Bed
In the days after the collision, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) District 6 Director of Communications and Public Engagement Mike Dougherty said officials were evaluating data collected during the inspection to determine a recommendation for repairs that may be needed.
Crews subsequently enacted a temporary fix for the bridge.
Lane Closures and Detour Planned on Southbound Hwy. 52 for 85th St. NW Bridge Repair North of Rochester
On Thursday, MnDOT announced plans for a more extensive repair of the bridge. The repair project is scheduled to begin on August 20.
MnDOT says the repair project will involve demolition, beam setting and the pouring of a new bridge deck. Short-term detours and lane closures will be in place during the repair work.
Southbound Hwy. 52 will close at 7 p.m. on August 28 and reopen by 5 a.m. on August 31. Northbound Hwy. 52 will remain open.
Detour Route
The detour route for southbound traffic will direct motorists off Hwy. 52 at Exit 64 in Oronoco.
From there, drivers will turn left on Olmsted County Road 112/ 100th Street NW, make a right turn on Olmsted County Road 112/ 18th Avenue NW, turn right on 55th Street NW, then take the ramp to Highway 52.
MnDOT says the repair project, which is scheduled to be completed in October, will extend the lifespan of the overpass.
ROAD TRIP! 60 SMALL TOWN RESTAURANTS YOU HAVE TO VISIT IN SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA
Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken
