Traffic signal replacement project begins Aug. 5 in Albert Lea

ALBERT LEA, Minn. – Motorists traveling in Albert Lea will encounter traffic impacts at several intersections beginning Aug. 5 as crews make improvements to the intersections and traffic signals, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

This work is part of project that will replace an older traffic signal in Albert Lea. Americans with Disabilities Act improvements and changes to vehicle turning and through movements will also be made to increase intersection safety.

Work is scheduled to begin Aug. 5 in Albert Lea at Hwy 65 and Front Street to replace the signal and make ADA improvements. ADA improvements will also be made at Hwy 65 and Margaretha Avenue. It is expected work will be completed in September.

2024 detours

Albert Lea: Hwy 65 (S. Broadway Avenue)

During construction, traffic on Hwy 65 (S. Broadway) will remain open to vehicles.
Pedestrians and bicyclists will be detoured around the construction zone.
Northbound pedestrian and bicyclists will be detoured east onto 3rd Street, north onto Newton Avenue and west on College Street.
Southbound pedestrian and bicyclists will be detoured west on Pearl Street, south on Washington Avenue and east on 3rd Street.
The rail gate arms will remain functional.

Albert Lea: Front Street

Front Street will be closed at Broadway Avenue to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists during construction.
S. Broadway can be accessed via S. Pearl Street or W. 3rd Street.
Vehicles on Front Street, East of Broadway Avenue will take Newton Avenue north to Hwy 65, west on Hwy 65/Main Street and south on Highway 13.
Vehicles on Highway 65/Main Street will continue west and south on Hwy 13.
Vehicles on Front Street, west of Broadway Avenue will go north on 1st Avenue, go east on Main Street and then south on Garfield Avenue to access East Front Street.
Vehicles on Hwy 69 will continue north to Hwy 13 and go east, then south on Garfield Avenue to access East Front Street.

Albert Lea: Margaretha Avenue

Margaretha Avenue will be closed at Broadway Avenue to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists during construction.
Vehicles on Margaretha Avenue, north of Broadway Avenue: Go north on Margaretha Avenue, west on E. 8th Street and south on Broadway Avenue to rejoin Margaretha Avenue south of Broadway Avenue.
Vehicles on Margaretha Avenue, south of Broadway Avenue: Go north on Broadway Avenue and east on E. 8th Street to access Margaretha Avenue north of Broadway Avenue.

To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.

Safety in work zones

Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Do the zipper merge.
Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

Stay connected, informed

Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota.

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