Highway 14 resurfacing is under way

Centerline

rumble strips

to be added

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The $2.2 million U.S. Highway 14 resurfacing project that includes two safety improvements between New Ulm and Nicollet began Monday.

Nicollet County road 37 -- 20th South Street -- that links South Broadway with Highway 14, is expected to be closed for several weeks. Work is expected to improve movement in all directions at the Highway 14 intersection.

New centerline rumble strips are part of the project. Similar to rumble strips ground into the outside road shoulders, the strips are designed to alert drivers with noise and vibration in case they get too close to or cross over the opposite travel lane.

The strips are designed to reduce head-on crashes on high traffic volume, two-lane roads like Highway 14. They are not intended to inhibit passing opportunities, but simply alert drivers that they have crossed the center line.

The resurfacing project, expected to last two months, will result in lane restrictions and traffic delays. Motorists are asked to drive with extreme caution in the work zone and pay particular attention to flag persons and pilot cars.

North Broadway

Meanwhile, the Highway 14 reconstruction project on North Broadway between Ninth North and Garden Street is moving along. New water main service is being connected between Ninth and 12th Streets.

Underground work south of 17th North is being completed. It will be followed by placement and grading of granular base material material and Class 5 base in preparation for concrete work.

Underground storm and water main work continues between 17th and 20th North Streets. Water main work will temporarily disrupt cemetery water service for up to several months. Portable toilets and water tanks will be provided for public use.

Project Chief Inspector Marv Krueger explained that water retention ponds required as part of the project are designed to slow down storm water but not hold it for long periods of time.