Mike Dougherty
michael.dougherty@state.mn.us
Office: 507.286.7684
Mobile: 507.251.2749
Hwy 61 Lane Closures Planned May 7 for Grading Work near Downtown Red Wing
RED WING, Minn. — Highway 61 motorists can expect lane closures beginning May 7 as crews start final grading and improvement work on the highway entering into Red Wing near the new bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Grading work will be from the Highway 63 buttonhook ramp into downtown Red Wing. Southbound lanes will be closed. Traffic will be shifted to single lanes in each direction in the northbound lanes. Work should be complete in June.
MnDOT road work has been identified as a critical service in Gov. Tim Walz’s Stay at Home executive order. Following guidance from state and federal health officials, and to prevent further spread of COVID-19, crews will maintain social distancing practices while working.
The new Eisenhower Bridge of Valor opened to traffic in November, but construction work has continued on the new bridge with work on lighting and bridge aesthetics, as well as work on the pedestrian and bicycle path. Other work on the project in 2020 includes completion of the connecting roads on the Wisconsin side, removal of the road that connected to the 1960 bridge, and removal of a small temporary bridge over Hwy 61. Zenith Tech, Inc., of Waukesha, Wis., is the prime contractor.
The $63.4 million Hwy 63 bridge construction project includes building a new bridge to replace the Hwy 63 bridge, replacing the slip ramp over Hwy 61, reconstructing approach roads in Minnesota and Wisconsin, improving access to Red Wing and upgrading pedestrian and bicyclist crossings. The project is scheduled to be completed on August 20.
MnDOT reminds motorists entering work zones that safety is the responsibility of all:
- Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate through with care and caution
- Stay alert; work zones constantly change
- Watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300.
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel.
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
Learn more or sign up for email updates at MnDOT’s project website or follow the Facebook project page.
For traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org.