In the wake of the milestone comprehensive transportation bill passed by the legislature in 2017, several Wright County-area road and bridge upgrades are set to receive funding, according to a recent announcement by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
The projects were included in a list of more than 250 transportation infrastructure projects throughout Minnesota. MnDOT’s list of priority road and bridge projects is valued at more than $1 billion.
“Until 2017, the last big transportation bill we passed was a decade ago, but so much has changed since then; roads and bridges throughout Minnesota have badly needed attention for years,” said Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo). “I have long advocated for transportation infrastructure to be made a priority, and in our first session as a Senate Majority, that is exactly what we did. I am glad the families who live, work, and visit Wright County will be able enjoy smoother, safer roads and bridges, and less stressful commutes.”
Last year’s transportation bill added $300 million in permanent, ongoing funding to roads and bridges by rededicating existing revenue from transportation-related sales taxes. In addition, it included funding for small towns assistance, local bridge rehabilitation, and town roads.
The following projects are slated to receive funding.
Hwy 55 — Buffalo to Rockford
Description: Reconstruct/resurface Hwy 55 from Division St in Buffalo to the Crow River bridge in Rockford, upgrade culverts/pipes, guardrail and pedestrian sidewalks in Rockford, in Wright County
Status: June-October 2018
Traffic Impacts:
Buffalo to Rockford: Hwy 55 to close to thru traffic and detour from early July to late August; detour through Delano
Rockford: Hwy 55 open with periodic lane or access closures, follow signs, access to be maintained
More information: http://www.mndot.gov/d3/2018/h55/
I-94 — Clearwater to Monticello
Description: Diamond grind (smoothen) eastbound and westbound driving lanes
Construction dates: April-May 2018
Traffic impacts: Overnight non-rush hour lane closures
More information: http://www.mndot.gov/d3/i94
I-94 — Monticello
Description: The city of Monticello to construct a new Fallon Avenue overpass at I-94, west of Hwy 25, between Chelsea Rd and 7th St, includes roundabouts at Chelsea Rd, 7th St and Washington St in Monticello.
Construction dates: April-October 2018
Traffic impacts: Shoulder closures on I-94
More information: http://www.ci.monticello.mn.us/fallon
Hwy 55 — Rockford to Theodore Wirth Pkwy
Description: Safety improvements including culvert replacement, tree removal, curb and gutter replacement and guardrail replacement.
Status: Construction begins Spring 2018
Contact: Dave Aeikens
More information: http://www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy55safetyimprovements2018
For a full list of statewide projects, click here.