Hwy 57 open in Mantorville; Hwy 14 J-turn completed

After months of construction and detours, traffic began traveling on Highway 57 in downtown Mantorville Monday afternoon as the reconstruction work wrapped up. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) also announced that work has been completed on the J-turn at the Highway 14 and County Road 9 intersection.
During the four-month project in Mantorville, construction crews:
reconstructed the road.
replaced the water, sanitary and stormwater pipes.
improved the walking and biking areas through town.
There may be workers still in the area doing final work or cleaning up, MnDOT officials said, and motorists should remain attentive and observe speed limits through town.
Celebration planned
A ceremonial ribbon cutting event is planned September 4 to celebrate the completion of the project and kickoff Mantorville’s Marigold Days celebration, which runs through the weekend after Labor Day, Sept. 6-8. More details will be announced regarding the event.
J-turn at Highway 14 & County Road 9
Construction of a J-turn at Highway 14 and Dodge County Road 9, west of Kasson, is also complete, and the intersection is open to traffic, according to MnDOT.
This J-turn is the second J-turn on Highway 14 between Rochester and Owatonna. One was built in 2023 at Highway 14 and Olmsted County Road 3.
At a J-turn intersection, the driver focuses on one direction of traffic at a time.
When on the side street approaching the divided highway, drivers always make a right turn.
To cross the highway (or turn left) from the side street, come to a complete stop, then turn right onto the highway.
Enter the designated left-turn lane that leads to the median opening and complete a U-turn.
The motorist can then travel on the highway or move directly into the right turn lane to continue on the side road.
Crash statistics at the Highway 14 and County Road 9 intersection showed a high risk for severe crashes due to the multi-lane crossing and highway speed traffic. There were 18 crashes in the past 10 years. Three of the crashes involved injuries and one resulted in a fatality.
The J-turn is part of the project that is making the following improvements along Highway 14 between Dodge Center and Byron. The project is expected to be completed next week.
Constructing a J-turn at Highway 14 and County Road 9.
Installing a high-tension cable median barrier between Dodge Center and Kasson.
Resurfacing pavement between Kasson and Byron.
Improving and repairing drainage
Rehabilitating the eastbound and westbound Highway 14 bridges over Highway 57. The work includes new end posts, approach panels and expansion joints.
Upgrading the Road Weather Information System (RWIS) site near Byron with new pavement sensors and processing unit.
 
MnDOT has also begun work on a third Dodge County project involving Highway 56 through West Concord.
Resurfacing the roadway from Southview Street to Dodge County Road 24 started this week.
Prime contractor for the project is Rochester Sand & Gravel. Work is expected to be completed by late September, weather permitting.
A lane closure will occur during the project and a flagger or a pilot car will direct traffic. Work also includes accessibility and sidewalk improvements. Sidewalk closures in West Concord will occur where the crews are working.