Wrong-Way Drivers Prompt New Detour in Massive Minnesota Workzone

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Reports of wrong-way drivers have prompted a new detour in a construction zone near Rochester. 

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) says a crash was reported in the work zone on Monday.

A news release indicates crews will be working in the Interstate 90 and Hwy. 52 interchange construction zone to start the new detour on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

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MnDOT Eliminates Left Turn at I-90/Hwy. 52 Interchange Southeast of Rochester Due to Reports of Wrong-Way Drivers

MnDOT says motorists seeking eastbound I-90 from southbound Hwy. 52 have been using the wrong turn, entering the I-90 east off-ramp instead of the on-ramp, which is located south of the off-ramp. 

To solve the issue, MnDOT will close the median turn connecting the I-90 eastbound off-ramp to southbound Hwy. 52. 

Drivers seeking southbound Hwy. 52 from eastbound I-90 will be routed to northbound Hwy. 52 to Marion Rd. exit, which is about a mile north of the interchange. 

Once drivers exit Hwy. 52, they will cross the freeway before re-entering southbound Hwy. 52. 

MnDOT estimates that 136 vehicles make the turn from eastbound I-90 to southbound Hwy. 52 daily, while 6800 vehicles turn from southbound Hwy. 52 to eastbound I-90 daily. 

Officials say the detour will be in place until the end of the project. 2026 marks the third and final scheduled year of the massive project to transform the I-90/Hwy. 52 interchange. 

Southbound Hwy. 52 motorists will have a flyover ramp to reach eastbound I-90 once the work is completed. The project also calls for reconstructing ramps at the interchange and rebuilding the I-90 overpasses.