Work has begun on the Highway 14 expansion project between Owatonna and Dodge Center, but officials have called an audible that will delay some detours from beginning for a few weeks in Dodge County. After announcing that Dodge County Road 1 and 630th Street would be affected April 8, Minnesota Department of Transportation officials said other aspects of the job will begin first.

In a news release this week, MNDOT stated, "Construction crews are expected to begin demolition of buildings and removal April 6 as part of the expansion of Highway 14 between Dodge Center and Owatonna. The work will briefly delay the planned detours for motorists in Dodge County." The work involves demolition and disposal of structures on 12 property sites along the new path for Highway 14.

Governor Walz Stay-at-Home directive classifies road work as essential and for that reason it will continue. "The agency is working to be flexible with scheduling during this period of lower traffic volumes to keep projects moving forward in a timely manner," the news release said. Traffic is down 71 percent according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Read about the impact stay-at-home has had on Minnesota roads.

By the end of April or in early May, detours will be necessary for Dodge County 1 to construct an bridge to overpass the new highway. A new 630th Street is also part of the project.

 

Here's what Owatonna looks like during Stay-at-Home

 

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