MANKATO — Highway 14 Minnesota River Bridge construction in Mankato begins Monday, May 6, weather permitting, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Motorists can expect traffic delays and congestion, especially during peak travel times.

The bridge rehabilitation project includes concrete work on the bridge deck to extend the life of the bridge.

Highway 14 will remain open to through traffic in a head-to-head configuration. There will be shoulder, lane, and ramp closures as the work is completed in four stages.

The first stage includes shoulder and lane closures on Highway 14 from 3rd Avenue to Highway 169, and from Lor Ray Drive to Lookout Drive, starting May 6 for approximately two weeks as crews build crossovers.

Second stage work includes eastbound Highway 14 ramps to Highway 169 will be closed, and northbound Highway 169 at Highway 14 will be reduced to one lane for approximately three weeks.

Third stage 3 work includes closing Highway 169 ramps to eastbound Highway 14. The entrance ramp at Lookout Drive to eastbound Highway 14 will be closed. The entrance ramp at Lor Ray Drive to eastbound Highway 14 will be open for access to Highway 169 only. The anticipated duration is three weeks.

Fourth stage 4 work includes shoulder and lane closures for about two weeks.

Motorists are advised to find alternative routes, change travel times to avoid peak traffic periods, or plan for extra travel time. With the ramp closures at Highway 14/169, motorists may also consider using Highway 22 from Mankato to St. Peter as an alternate route.

The project is expected to be complete in mid-July.