Westbound I-90 ramps east of Blue Earth open today
MANKATO, Minn. —Motorists are advised that the westbound Interstate 90 entrance ramp at Hwy 22 and the westbound exit ramp at Faribault Co.Rd. 23 east of Blue Earth are expected to open tonight, Oct. 19, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The westbound I-90 entrance ramp at Faribault Co.Rd. 23 is expected to open in late October.
I-90 traffic will continue to be maintained with two-way traffic, one lane in each direction, in the eastbound lanes from Faribault Co.Rd.17 to just east of Faribault Co.Rd. 23 until late October, weather permitting.
Project information, benefits, and costs
Approximately 20 miles of I-90 will be resurfaced from two miles west of Highway 169 near Blue Earth to Hwy 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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