More Lane Closures Begin on I-90 in Southeast Minnesota
Austin, MN (KROC-AM News)- A new set of lane closures took effect on Interstate 90 in southeast Minnesota Tuesday.
Unlike previous I-90 lane closures this summer, the new closures mark the beginning of a multi-year project. A MnDOT news release says the lanes are expected to be closed until early October.
The latest round of lane closures on the cross-country interstate are in Austin. The left lanes of eastbound and westbound I-90 will be closed to allow crews to construct median crossovers for a three-year project that’s set to start next year.
Drivers will have access to the entrance and exit ramps during the lane closures, MnDOT says. The crossovers will be used to route traffic away from workers as they begin to reconstruct six bridges.
MnDOT says the stretch of I-90 that runs through Austin was built in the 1950s and the structures are at the end of their useful design life. Crews are projected to reconstruct or repair three overpasses next year and a water crossing in 2024 and 2025.
Two more overpasses are due for reconstruction and repairs in 2026. Along with replacing and improving the aging infrastructure, MnDOT says the $45-50 million project will also improve walking/biking conditions and pedestrian/motorist safety.
