Roadway now open for traffic

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Detour signs were removed Monday on North Broadway, and the road was opened to through traffic.

Semaphores are not operational, some road markings remain to be installed, sod is being laid on boulevards and cement is being poured on medians at the north end of the reconstructed roadway.

Project Chief Inspector Marv Kruger said the 20th North Street railroad overpass is closed. Semi-trucks and other traffic seeking access to Front Street must use Seventh North Street.

Parents were urged by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Monday to keep children a safe distance away from Highway 14 reconstruction project work zones.

Emphasis was placed on project areas where paving is under way and near truck hauling routes.

Two construction days were lost due to rain last week; however, progress was made when it wasn't raining, Kruger said.

Drivers were reminded that there is a three-way stop at Brown County Road 12 and U.S. Highway 14 until Highway 14 reopens west of Garden Street.

Through eastbound traffic on Highway 14 entering New Ulm from the west is required to use the posted detour route on County Roads 12 and 29. This route is needed to avoid backups on Westridge Road.

Bob Williams, MnDOT project engineer, said Central Specialties Inc. has a good start on what will be four layers of asphalt on most parts of the main and secondary roads.

Mainline curb and gutter work is substantially done, Williams said. A sodding and erosion control subcontractor will lay sod in prepared boulevard areas in the coming days.