J-turn opens at Highway 14-Dodge County Road 9 west of Kasson
KASSON, Minn. – Construction of a J-turn at Highway 14 and Dodge County Road 9, west of Kasson, is complete, and the intersection is open to traffic, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
This J-turn is the second J-turn on Highway 14 between Rochester and Owatonna. One was built in 2023 at Highway 14 and Olmsted County Road 3.
At a J-turn intersection, the driver focuses on one direction of traffic at a time.
- When on the side street approaching the divided highway, drivers always make a right turn.
- To cross the highway (or turn left) from the side street, come to a complete stop, then turn right onto the highway.
- Enter the designated left-turn lane that leads to the median opening and complete a U-turn.
- The motorist can then travel on the highway or move directly into the right turn lane to continue on the side road.
Crash statistics at the Highway 14 and County Road 9 intersection showed a high risk for severe crashes due to the multi-lane crossing and highway speed traffic. There were 18 crashes in the past 10 years. Three of the crashes involved injuries and one resulted in a fatality.
J-turns facts
MnDOT has constructed more than 100 J-turns on Minnesota state highways because they reduce serious and fatal crashes.
Benefits of J-turns
- Eliminates or reduces the highest risk movements – directly crossing multiple lanes of traffic and left turns
- Shown to reduce fatalities by 70%
- Shown to reduce injuries by 42%
- Designed to help prevent severe broadside or "T-bone" crashes
- Moves traffic safely and effectively
- Simplifies navigation and traffic flow
- Can be designed and built quickly to address fatal crashes
- Maintains access to local roads and businesses
Construction project
The J-turn is part of the project that is making the following improvements along Highway 14 between Dodge Center and Byron. The project is expected to be completed next week.
- Constructing a J-turn at Highway 14 and County Road 9
- Installing a high-tension cable median barrier between Dodge Center and Kasson
- Resurfacing pavement between Kasson and Byron
- Improving and repairing drainage
- Rehabilitating the eastbound and westbound Highway 14 bridges over Highway 57. The work includes new end posts, approach panels and expansion joints
- Upgrading the Road Weather Information System (RWIS) site near Byron with new pavement sensors and processing unit
To learn more this project, go to MnDOT’s website where you can also sign up for email and text message updates.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
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