Project to Build Hwy. 14 Interchanges in Byron Gets $8 in State Funding

Byron, MN (KROC-AM News)- A project that would implement interchanges along Hwy. 14 in Byron got a funding boost from the Minnesota legislature. 

See Also: State Bonding Bill has $13.2 Million for Rochester Utility Project 

In the final hours of this year’s session, lawmakers passed a $1.24 billion bonding bill. 

$8 million provided by the legislation has been dedicated to a long-term plan to transform the Hwy. 14 corridor from Rochester to Byron into a freeway. 

Project Calling for Pair Interchanges Along Hwy. 14 in Byron Gets $8 Million from Bonding Bill

The $8 million in state funding will go towards design work related to building interchanges at Hwy. 14’s junctions with Olmsted County Rd. 3 and Olmsted County Rd. 5 in Byron. 

A news release issued by Olmsted County says the planned interchanges will, “help increase safety, enhance mobility, and accommodate long-term regional growth.” 

Along with the bonding dollars, the project has also been awarded $1.37 million from the Minnesota Department of Transportation as part of its Corridors of Commerce Readiness Advancement Awards. 

A project update posted on the city of Byron’s website also says the project has received $2 million in federal funds. 

Long Term Plan to Turn Hwy. 14 Corridor in Byron into Freeway

In 2023, crews completed a project to convert the Hwy. 14/County Rd. 3 intersection into a J-Turn. 

The County Rd. 5/Hwy. 14 intersection is currently controlled by a stoplight and sees approximately one crash per month, according to the City of Byron. 

The long-term vision of the project calls for limiting access to Hwy. 14 at the 10th Ave. intersection. 

An official start date for the construction has not yet been set. A presentation regarding the project indicates the plan is to transform the corridor into a freeway over the next 20-30 years.