MANKATO – Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, June 11, on Highway 14 from Mankato to North Mankato, which has the highest volume of traffic in southcentral Minnesota.

Because of the more than 43,000 vehicles on Highway 14 on an average day, coupled with segmented lane and ramp closures planned for the upcoming construction project, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is installing an Intelligent Work Zone (IWZ) system during construction.

“Intelligent Work Zone systems prove effective where construction will create significant traffic delays and congestion, which we anticipate during Highway 14 construction in Mankato,” said Scott Thompson, MnDOT Traffic Engineer. “The goal is to provide advanced warning information to motorists, preparing them to slow down when unexpected backups are occurring and possibly consider taking an alternate route.”

The IWZ system consists of two changeable message signs, one on each end of the project. These signs, in combination with traffic detection devices, are able to determine the speed of traffic upstream.

When traffic starts backing up, the IWZ signs will state that stopped traffic is ahead and traffic should use both lanes. This allows motorists to prepare to slow down or stop, or make the decision to take an alternate route which reduces the extent of the backup.

Six miles of construction on Highway 14 from Lookout Drive to Highway 22 includes:

• Resurfacing sections of the highway

• Repairing deteriorated culvert sections, including a large culvert at Thompson Creek

• Repairing ditch along westbound Lor Ray Drive exit ramp

• Updating pedestrian sidewalk ramps at 3rd Avenue and Riverfront Drive interchanges

• Updating median guardrail at bridges

• Repairing pavement approaches to bridges over Victory Drive and the railroad near Eagle Lake

For information on the Highway 14 Mankato project, visit www.mndot.gov/d7/projects/hwy14mankato. For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.