Highway 114 improvement project will start early

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Motorists on Highway 114 between Interstate 94 and Highway 55 in Douglas and Pope counties may encounter delays this week when a resurfacing project begins.

The highway will remain open to traffic while crews resurface the road. Flaggers and pilot cars will direct traffic during daytime lane closures, which could delay motorists. Guardrail replacement work will also require shoulder closures and short lane closures.

The $1.2 million project was originally scheduled to begin at the end of the summer following completion of the Highway 55 project currently under way between Hoffman and Glenwood. Central Specialties Inc., which is the contractor for the Highway 55 project, has also been awarded the Highway 114 contract.

“With the two projects so close in proximity to one another and having both projects awarded to Central Specialties, we’ve decided to allow the projects to run concurrently,” said Brad Cegla, MnDOT project manager. “Since Highway 114 will be open to traffic during the project, we would like to get it completed as early in the season as possible to reduce the duration of road construction activity for area residents and motorists.”

The project will implement the “Safety Edge” – a paving concept that addresses pavement drop-offs. The angle-edged pavement increases pavement edge durability and reduces the severity of roadway departure accidents by aiding in roadway re-entry.

The Highway 114 project is scheduled to be completed in late July, weather permitting.

During construction and road maintenance work, MnDOT urges drivers to:

•Check www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1 for up-to-date information about traffic and road conditions.

•Stay alert, expect the unexpected.

•Never enter a road that has been blocked with barriers or cones.

•Minimize distractions.

•Avoid tailgating. Keep plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.

•Follow posted speed limits; fines double in work zones.

•Stay in one lane while driving through a work zone; don’t pass or change lanes unnecessarily.

Tags: local news, highway 114, news, construction