Motorists should be prepared for more lane closures south of Owatonna starting on Monday, May 1. The Minnesota Department of Transportation in a news release announces that they will begin preparations for the replacement of two bridges on Highway 14 starting Monday. These closures will occur on 14 between the interstate and Steele County Road 45. Later next week the northbound I-35 off-ramp to Highway 14 east at Owatonna will close and traffic will be detoured. Those traveling north on the interstate to eastbound 14 will be detoured. The detour will consist of taking the Highway 14 west ramp and then taking the I-35 south ramp to return back down to the Highway 14 east ramp to rejoin eastbound traffic. Motorists will find traffic on 14 traveling in single lanes in each direction in the westbound lanes.

This work is part of project south of Owatonna where six bridges on I-35 and four bridges on Highway 14 will be replaced over the next two years. This year bridges over the Straight River, Turtle Creek and Union Pacific Railroad will be replaced, affecting I-35 traffic. Highway 14 bridges to be replaced this year are the eastbound portions over the Straight River and the Union Pacific Railroad. Next year the westbound portion of these Highway 14 bridges will be replaced.

Motorists are urged to use caution and be prepared for delays, especially over weekends and holidays.

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