Construction begins on Highway 60 J-turns at Heron Lake April 29

Motorists are advised of lane closures and speed reductions on Highway 60 at Heron Lake beginning, Monday, April 29, as crews begin the construction of J-turns to improve the safety at the intersections at Heron Lake.

The westbound and eastbound Highway 60 lane closures are between Jackson County Roads 24 and 43 and will be in place until early August when the project is complete.  No detour is anticipated for construction activities and at least one access to Heron Lake will remain open at all times.

The project consists of constructing three J-turns, also known as Reduced Conflict Intersections at the following locations:

*Highway 60 & Jackson County Road 24

*Highway 60 & 10th Street (Jackson County Road 9)

*Highway 60 & 1st Street (Jackson County Road 43)

At the completion of the County Road 9 J-turn construction, MnDOT is planning a demonstration event for the public.  Highway 60 traffic will encounter a one-day detour at Heron Lake so motorists, including agricultural equipment and semi-trucks, can practice driving through the newly constructed J-turn on a “closed course.”  Details on this event will be published in the coming weeks.

MnDOT staff have been visiting with area residents about the project at various venues.  However, if anyone still wants to talk to MnDOT staff they are welcome to attend the Highway 60 – Windom Construction open house on Thursday, April 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Windom City Hall, 444 9th Street.  Highway 60 construction in Windom may begin as early as May 6 with lane restrictions and intersection closures.

More information can be found at www.dot.state.mn.us/d7/projects/hwy60heronlake.

Mathiowetz Construction of Sleepy Eye was awarded the project with a bid of $3,444,862.

For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.