Southeast Minnesota Bridge Sealing Begins May 4
Summary
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announces a bridge crack and joint sealing project covering 34 bridges in Mower and Olmsted counties beginning May 4, 2026, with completion anticipated in August. Most bridges will experience only lane closures, with full closures limited to the Highway 52/Highway 14 interchange in Rochester. The $300 fine for speeding in work zones is noted.
What changed
MN DOT announces a routine bridge maintenance project covering 34 state bridges across Mower and Olmsted counties. Sealing work begins May 4 and is expected to conclude in August, with most bridges subject only to lane closures during active work. The Highway 52/Highway 14 interchange in Rochester is the primary site of full bridge and ramp closures, with advance notice of those closures promised via 511mn.org.
Motorists traveling these corridors should anticipate delays and should plan to check real-time traffic conditions at 511mn.org or via the 511mn smartphone app before departing. Drivers are reminded that work zone speed violations carry a $300 fine, and Minnesota's zipper merge technique is recommended during lane closures. No compliance obligations are imposed on employers or regulated entities beyond general traffic safety reminders for motorists.
Penalties
$300 fine for speeding in work zones
Archived snapshot
Apr 21, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Southeast Minnesota state bridge crack and joint sealing project begins May 4
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Motorists traveling on various state highways in Mower and Olmsted counties may encounter traffic delays beginning Monday, May 4, as crews begin sealing work to help extend state bridges’ life expectancy, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Work begins May 4 and it is anticipated it should be completed in August. Exact work locations and traffic impacts will be listed on 511mn.org.
Traffic impacts
Sealing work will cause traffic impacts. Most bridges will only have a lane closure during work. The only full bridge and ramp closures will be on the Highway 52/Highway 14 interchange in Rochester. The closures and detours of that interchange will be announced ahead of time.
Thirty-four bridges in Mower and Olmsted counties are scheduled for sealing work:
- Bridges between Austin and Highway 63 near Rochester
- Highway 56 bridge over I-90 Mower County Road 19 bridge over I-90 Mower County Road 20 bridge over I-90 Mower County Road 13 bridge over I-90 Mower County Road 2 bridge over I-90 Mower County Road 1 bridge over I-90 Mower County Road 15 bridge over I-90 I-90 westbound bridge over North Branch Root River Highway 63 northbound and southbound bridges over I-90
- Highway 63 bridge over North Branch Root River in Stewartville
- Highway 30 bridge over North Branch Root River near Cummingsville
- Highway 30 bridge over Mill Creek in Chatfield
- I-90 westbound and eastbound bridges over Olmsted County 10 near Dover
- Bridges in Rochester
- Highway 52 southbound bridge over Olmsted County Road 1 Highway 52 northbound and southbound bridges over Highway 63 Highway 52 northbound and southbound bridges over Zumbro River 16th Street SW bridge over Highway 52 Highway 14 westbound and eastbound bridges over Zumbro River Highway 14 westbound and eastbound bridges over Bear Creek Highway 14 bridge over Highway 52 6th Street SW bridge over Highway 52 2nd Street SW bridge over Highway 52 Highway 52 and Highway 14 interchange (multiple areas) Olmsted County Road 22 bridge over Highway 14 19th Street NW bridge over Highway 52 37th Street bridge over Highway 52 41st Street bridge over Highway 52 55th Street bridge over Highway 52 65th Street bridge over Highway 52
- Bridges north of Rochester
- 75th Street bridge over Highway 52 85th Street bridge over Highway 52 100th Street bridge over Highway 52 5th Street NW bridge over Highway 52 near Oronoco Olmsted County Road 12 bridge over Highway 52, north of Oronoco
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge .
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for project updates.
- Search job openings and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.
- Sign up to receive emails about traffic safety. ###
MnDOT Media Room
Contact
- Mike Dougherty 507-251-2749
Connect with us
Southeast Minnesota Facebook group
Southeast Minnesota Twitter page
Real-time traffic and travel information
- Visit 511mn.org
- Download a free smartphone app:
- App Store Google Play
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