MnDOT drawing The Minnesota Highway Department plans to begin constructing a single-lane roundabout at Highway 14/Highland Avenue May 20. Project features include new sidewalk and trail to connect to existing locations, lighting and a paved truck apron/center island.

NEW ULM — Highway 14 from Brown CR 12 to CR 29 (North Garden Street) will be closed to traffic starting May 20 for roundabout construction at Highland Avenue.

The single-lane roundabout project including new sidewalk, lighting and a trail to connect to existing locations is estimated to be complete in late July, depending on weather and unforeseeable circumstances, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Through traffic will be detoured to CR 12 and 29. Access to construction zone businesses will remain open during construction.

Project benefits include improved traffic flow and enhanced safety for motorists and pedestrians. M.R. Paving & Excavating of New Ulm was awarded the project with a $2.26 million bid.

The project follows a MnDOT study of the Highway 14 and Highland Avenue intersection to analyze safety and traffic flow issues. With input from the City of New Ulm, local residents and businesses and the school district, MnDOT evaluated the intersection, developed design alternatives and arrived at a single-lane roundabout design.

MnDOT District 7 Construction Supervisor Todd Kjolstad said the size and scope of the project is pretty straightforward.

“Highland Avenue will be closed for the (project) duration, but there are lots of ways for motorists including some semis and larger van trucks to get around (road closures and the construction zone itself),” said Kjolstad.

“There will be local access for all of the project. Access may not always be in final product condition. There may be times with road restrictions for a few hours for things like paving, but it’s one of the more accommodating projects we’ve worked,” he added.

Kjolstad he’s happy to have M R Paving & Excavating of New Ulm on the project.

“They understand the community. Communication should be timely and personable,” he added.

Motorists are asked to slow down when approaching work zones and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones.

Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment.

Obey posted speed limits. Fines for work zone violations are $300.

Minimize distractions behind the wheel.

Drivers should expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

For more information, visit www.mndot.gov. Visit the project website, signup for email updates and watch progress on a MnDOT construction camera.

Learn more about navigating roundabouts at https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/index.html

Information will be shared on the MnDOT South Central Facebook group and on X@mndotcentral.

For real-time traffic and travel information, visit 222.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.