MnDOT: Hwy. 14 Delays Expected to Worsen as Pavement Work Begins on Rochester’s “Beltline”

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A project taking place along one of Rochester’s busiest roads is set to take its next step this week. 

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is advising motorists to anticipate longer delays than what have already been seen in the work zone. 

Starting Monday, July 7, crews will begin the process of removing the current pavement on Hwy. 14 in southern Rochester, also known as Rochester’s “beltline.” 

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The stretch of highway has been down to a single lane in both directions since May. 

MnDOT: Delays Expected to Increase as Pavement Work Begins on Hwy. 14 in Southern Rochester

The pavement work is occurring between Hwy. 52 and Crossroads Dr. Southwest and between 3rd Ave. Southeast and Marion Rd. Southeast. 

Once the current pavement is out, workers will replace it in two passes. The pavement work will begin with the right lanes and shoulders then move the left halves on the divided highway. 

A MnDOT news release says the pavement is expected to be down in all traffic lanes by the end of the month. During the pavement work, crews will disable traffic signals and replace them with temporary stop signs. 

MnDOT says the stop signs are expected to increase traffic backups and that law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic as needed. 

No work is scheduled to occur between 3rd Ave. Southeast and Crossroads Dr. Southwest, however the highway is down to a single lane in both directions, including at the intersection with South Broadway Ave. 

The Hwy. 14 resurfacing project is scheduled to be completed by August 4, MnDOT says.