Fall 2024 project update

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.

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