The Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee recently heard SF 781, legislation authored by Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) to fund the next phase of critical safety improvements along U.S. Highway 14 in and near the City of Byron.
“This bill continues our commitment to improving safety and mobility along Highway 14, a vital corridor serving southern Minnesota,” said Senator Nelson. “We’ve already lost too many lives to this dangerous road; with traffic volumes and speeds increasing, we must act now to replace dangerous at-grade intersections with safer interchanges that will protect drivers, reduce congestion, and support the area’s incredible growth.”
The bill provides $2.4 million to construct two grade-separated interchanges at Olmsted County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) 3, just east of Byron, and CSAH 5, within the Byron city limits. These interchanges will eliminate three at-grade intersections, including the last two stoplights between Rochester and Mankato, and remove a hazardous at-grade railroad crossing.
Over the past ten years, the CSAH 3 and CSAH 5 intersections have seen 124 crashes, including three fatalities:
- CSAH 3: 39 crashes, 2 fatalities
- CSAH 5: 85 crashes, 1 fatality
The signalized intersections on Highway 14 create unsafe conditions as drivers transition from freeway speeds to abrupt stops. Removing these signals will significantly enhance safety and traffic flow.
Senator Nelson previously led efforts to secure funding for the first phase of Highway 14 safety improvements, an interchange at Highway 14/CSAH 44, which is scheduled to begin construction in spring 2026 and open in 2027. SF 781 advances the next phase of the Highway 14 safety plan.
Beyond improving safety, these upgrades will support the rapid growth in the region, which is outpacing state and national averages.
Olmsted County Commissioner Michelle Rossman testified in support of the bill, which was laid over and will be considered for a larger transportation bill later in session.