MnDOT: Highway 61 project to go forward as planned

The coronavirus epidemic is so far not impacting the start of the Highway 61 Reconstruction Project, according to a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) spokesperson.

“At this time, our intention is to start construction as soon as the road restrictions are lifted in the area,” Cindy Morgan of MnDOT said. “Given the quickly evolving situation and unknowns about COVID-19, we remain in close communication with Rochester Sand and Gravel and our other contractors so we can be prepared and plan ahead for any effects that may arise.”

With guidance from state health officials about protecting the health and well-being of Minnesotans and preventing further spread of COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is indefinitely postponing all scheduled public meetings and project open houses statewide.

Public engagement on transportation and construction projects remains a priority, MnDOT said. To stay up-to-date on the Highway 61 renovation project, people can check the following sources:

A link to Lake City’s project webpage can be found on https://www.ci.lake-city.mn.us/projects.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation also plans to send weekly email project updates to its email list. People can sign up at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=MN....

The MnDOT project webpage is http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d6/projects/hwy61-lakecity-reconstruct/index.....

Lake City is also operating a Facebook page entitled “Lake City Highway 61 Reconstruct Project” that will be active for the expected duration of the project.

Dick Swenke is Rochester Sand and Gravel’s public information officer. He can be reached at dick.swenke@rochsg.com or 507-259-4059.