Westbound Interstate 90 ramps at Highway 169 near Blue Earth open July 28
MANKATO, Minn. – Motorists are advised that the westbound Interstate 90 exit and entrance ramps at the Highway 169 interchange near Blue Earth are expected to open to traffic by 8 p.m. tonight, July 28, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The westbound Interstate 90 entrance and exit ramps at Faribault County Road 17 remain closed to traffic until mid-August, weather permitting.
The westbound Interstate 90 entrance and exit ramps at Faribault County Road 23 and the entrance ramp from Highway 22 are expected to close in mid-August for approximately two months.
Traffic on I-90 is currently maintained with two-way traffic, one lane in each direction, in the eastbound lanes from Blue Earth to east of Faribault County Road 17.
The westbound I-90 rest area located just west of Blue Earth is expected to reopen to the public in approximately two weeks.
Project information, benefits, and costs
Construction on I-90 is expected to be complete in late October 2023, weather permitting. Approximately 20 miles of I-90 will be resurfaced from two miles west of Highway 169 near Blue Earth to Highway 22 south of Wells during the two-year (2023-2024) project. Both eastbound and westbound I-90 will be improved, as well as ramps, bridges, culverts, and lighting along the project. Eastbound I-90 will be under construction in 2024.
To commemorate the completion of I-90 in 1978, concrete panels near Blue Earth were tinted gold, reminiscent of the ‘Golden Spike’ that symbolized completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869. In 2006, when I-90 needed repaving, most of the golden panels were paved over. As part of the 2023-2024 construction project, the golden panels will be reestablished in their same locations across both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90.
Benefits of the project include improved pavement, bridges, drainage, and lighting. Other benefits include improved sidewalks at the Blue Earth Rest Areas to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. PCiRoads was awarded the design-build project with a bid of $80,192,151.70.
Stay connected
- Visit the I-90 project website for more information, to sign up for email and text message updates.
Important work zone safety reminders
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
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