Highway 14 Expansion Open House Planned for Owatonna

The funding glitch is fixed. What's the next step in the Highway 14 expansion plans between Owatonna and Dodge Center? The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced they will hold an open house in Owatonna Tuesday, March 19 to update the public on the process.

The news release indicated that work could begin later this year and drivers could be on the new roadway by autumn of 2021. The four-lane road will be south of the current Highway 14. The bill that passed the legislature last May funds expansion of nearly 13 miles of the highway from two-lane side-by-side traffic to a four-lane divided highway.

The glitch in funding affected when bonds could be sold for the project and would have delayed its start. With the fix signed by Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday, March 5, "MnDOT can access funding to let the contract in August of 2019," according to the release.

MnDOT representatives will be present at an open house Tuesday, March 19 at the Department of Transportation construction office in Owatonna at 1010 21st Ave NW from 6 - 7:30 pm. A presentation will be made at 6:30 pm, but the public is invited to come and go as they choose during that whole time.

More information on the expansion project will be shared. Individuals can provide feedback and ask questions. Maps will be available as well. For more details on the expansion project go here to the MnDOT news release.

In their weekly e-newsletter, the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism stated, "Thank you to Senator (John) Jasinski and Representative (John) Petersburg on their work getting the Highway 14 fix through the Senate and House."