Hwy 14

East

project

ahead of schedule

Could be done

by Sept. 1

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The $2.2 million U.S. Highway 14 resurfacing project between New Ulm and Nicollet is ahead of schedule.

With favorable weather, the project could be done as early as the end of August, according to Minnesota Highway Department Project Engineer Nathan Gannon.

"We're moving along, ahead of schedule, which was to complete the project in September," Gannon said. "If it does rain, we'd only be delayed on the days it rains, not for several days afterwards waiting for it to dry out."

Nicollet County Road 37 -- 20th South Street -- which links South Broadway with Highway 14, could be completed as early as Wednesday, Aug. 18, Gannon said.

Roadwork will improve movement in all directions at the Highway 14 intersection, which has been the site of a number of accidents in recent years.

Pavement in the right turn lane heading east out of New Ulm onto Highway 14 has been raised to improve visibility. Project concrete work is done. Shoulder gravel and striping will be added .

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.

Lane restrictions, uneven pavement and traffic delays remain on the highway. Motorists are asked to drive with extreme caution in the work zone and pay particular attention to flag persons and pilot cars.