Hwy 52 — Pine Island to Oronoco construction

MnDOT is studying highway noise. The data from this work will help us determine if noise-reduction solutions, such as noise walls, are needed now or in the future.

What is a noise study?

Noise analysis is a required process to assess how a transportation project affects noise levels in the area. It involves measuring traffic noise and then modeling how various project changes could improve the noise levels.

Noise barriers may be suggested for mitigation, but must be practical and effective, considering cost, safety, and site conditions. They will only be proposed if they can reduce noise by at least 5 decibels.

Why is this study needed?

It is required based on the scale of road projects.

Who gets to choose if there will be a noise wall?

Properties close to the highway may be affected by noise. If a noise wall is required, feasible, and would help your property, you will get to vote on it. You will get another letter with details if that applies to you.

Learn more at www.dot.state.mn.us/environmental/noise/

Please contact a member of the project team with any questions.

Access Changes at 480th St., 490th St. and 500th St. View full-sized image

To improve safety and traffic flow, the project will close the medians at 480th St., 490th St., and 500th St.

The closure of these medians will restrict left-turn movements on and off the highway, as well as any crossing movements at these streets.

Virtual Listening Session:

Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4-5 p.m.

The project team will host a virtual listening session for the community to learn more about these changes, the reasoning behind the decisions, and how it will impact traffic in the area.

Zoom.us
Bit.ly/Hwy52PineIsland
Meeting ID: 836 8533 4608
Passcode: 918833

The following improvements are no longer moving forward with the project. These improvements may be incorporated into future projects:

• The unbonded overlay south of Oronoco
• Snow fences will not be included in the proposed project.

Updates include changes to the construction schedule, funding, and area improvements

We are wrapping up the project's study phase and moving to preliminary design.

Construction Schedule: Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028

Construction will start in 2028, not 2027. An extra year also gives us more time to pursue grants for the parts that do not have funding.

Funding:

We have the funding needed to resurface southbound Highway 52, construct frontage road, replace culvert bridge, and improve existing bridge piers. In the next few years, we will continue to pursue funding opportunities for other improvements with our local partners.

Improvements:

• Highway 52 Resurfacing: We will resurface southbound Highway 52 as planned.
• Frontage Road: We will continue design of a frontage road to the east of Pine Island to help with safety and access.
• Culvert Bridge Replacement: We need to replace the culvert bridge north of Pine Island due to condition and age.
• Road Raise: Raise southbound Highway 52 to reduce the risk of flooding near the middle fork of the Zumbro River
• Bridge Piers: We will perform minor repairs to two bridges
  1. 5^th St NW bridge over Highway 52 in Oronoco (Bridge 55079)
  2. 85^th St NW bridge over Highway 52 south of Oronoco (Bridge 55071)

Some improvements are still unfunded:

• Road Raise: We want to raise northbound lanes near the middle fork of the Zumbro River to reduce the risk of flooding. The team is looking into grant opportunities.
• Snow Fencing: We want to build snow fencing along Highway 52 to prevent drifting and blowing snow. The team is looking into grant opportunities for this work as well.

Not moving forward:

We had talked about adding RCUTS (J-Turns) with the community. These are not moving forward. They could be considered in the future as part of the long-term plan for Highway 52.

Next Steps:

We will hold public engagement activities to present and discuss project designs in the future.

View full-sized image

Thank you

Thank you to those who joined us on Monday. Over 50 people attended the open house at the Pine Island American Legion.

Individuals who were not able to attend provided their feedback virtually through a survey and a comment map.

Welcome table at Hwy 52 public meeting

Individuals participating in Survey and viewing informational boards

People review existing conditions of Hwy 52

What we heard

• Access to Pine Island is important, including access on the north end and frontage roads
• Concerns about road noise
• Flooding issues near the Middle Fork Zumbro River

Some shared specific property access concerns. Others noted the importance of agricultural equipment access north of Pine Island.

We will use what we heard to identify other improvements to Hwy 52 in the coming months. Hear about future opportunities through the project email updates and on this project website.

At this time, we do not have funding to make changes to the southbound Hwy 52 on ramp, flooding mitigation or other concepts designed. However, we will continue to study design concepts. This allows us to find an option that would work for the community if funding becomes available in the future.

We are hopeful that concepts developed will be done with the resurfacing project, but we may have to wait for another opportunity.

People with questions are encouraged to leave a question or contact the project management team.