Southbound Hwy 52 exit to Civic Center Drive in Rochester closing Nov. 6-7 for repairs

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Motorists who use the southbound Highway 52 exit to Civic Center Drive in Rochester will be detoured Nov. 6-7 while the ramp is closed for maintenance crews to replace safety equipment at the exit, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The southbound Exit 56A ramp will be closed at 9 a.m., Nov. 6 and remain closed through Nov. 7. During that time, motorists should seek alternate routes. The detour is to travel past the exit and use the Second Street Southwest exit (Exit 55B), turn left to cross Highway 52 and turn left to return to northbound Highway 52 and exit at Civic Center Drive (northbound Exit 56A). If work is completed sooner than scheduled, crews will reopen the ramp at that time.

The closed interchange is a busy commuter route, so people should make plans for traffic slowdowns through this area, especially at peak travel times in the mornings and afternoons.

Safety

Drivers traveling too fast and not paying attention are the main causes of work zone crashes. Here are some reminders:

Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
Drive undistracted. Avoid using phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating – while in work zones.
Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures, narrower lanes, moving workers and vehicles.

Stay connected, informed

Check out MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for updates
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