Hwy 14 paving, safety work completed; all lanes open to traffic Aug. 21
KASSON, Minn. – Construction crews on Highway 14 between Byron and Dodge Center have completed their work and reopened all lanes to motorists, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The final construction barrels were removed on Aug. 21. The work was part of the Hwy 14 project that made the following improvements:
- A new J-turn at Hwy 14 and Dodge County Road 9
- New high-tension cable median barrier between Dodge Center and Kasson
- Resurfaced pavement between Kasson and Byron
- Improved drainage
- Repaired eastbound and westbound Hwy 14 bridges over Hwy 57. The work includes new end posts, approach panels and expansion joints
- Upgrades to the Road Weather Information System (RWIS) site near Byron with new pavement sensors and processing unit
J-turn intersection
This is the second J-turn intersection on Hwy 14 between Rochester and Owatonna. One was built in 2023 at Hwy 14 and Olmsted Co. Rd. 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 Hwy 14 and Co. Rd. 9 intersection showed a high risk for severe crashes due to the multi-lane crossing and Hwy speed traffic. There were 18 crashes in the past 10 years. Three of the crashes involved injuries and one resulted in a fatality.
J-turn facts
- MnDOT has constructed more than 100 J-turns on Minnesota state highways because they have reduced serious and fatal crashes.
- 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
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates
- Interested in a job with MnDOT? Career information for the State of Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Come join us.
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