Hwy 68 Minneota to Marshall project begins May 9
The Highway 68 Minneota to Marshall project begins Monday, May 9. The project includes improvements to approximately 11 miles of Hwy 68 from North Grant Street in Minneota to the Redwood River in Marshall, including shoulder widening and culvert replacements. Drainage repairs near Porter are also included in the project.
Traffic impacts
The detour for Hwy 68 from Minneota to Marshall begins May 9 and will remain in place throughout construction. Traffic will follow Hwy 19 to County Road 5 for Ghent access, and County Road 3 for Minneota access and return to Hwy 68.
There will be two separate detours during culvert replacements near Porter. A detour/work zone map is attached. Watch for message boards on Hwy 68 and future emails for updated information.
During culvert replacements north of Porter, Hwy 68 will be detoured to County Road 20 and Hwy 75. The north detour is scheduled to start May 23 and will be in place approximately four weeks.
During culvert replacements south of Porter, Hwy 68 will be detoured to County Roads 7 and 19. The south detour is scheduled to start mid-June and will be in place approximately two weeks.
Project benefits and cost
Hwy 68 is currently 32 feet wide, with 4-foot paved shoulders and 12-foot driving lanes. After construction is complete, Hwy 68 will have wider shoulders between Minneota and Marshall by adding four feet of gravel on each side of the roadway. Project benefits include enhanced safety and repaired drainage.
R & G is the contractor for the project, which will cost $9.2 million. Construction is scheduled to end September 30. Start and end dates could change due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.
Work zone reminders
Slow down when approaching every work zone
Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
Obey posted speed limits; fine for a work zone violation is $300
Minimize distractions behind the wheel
Be patient and expect delays, especially during peak travel times
Stay connected
To sign up for project email or text updates visit mndot.gov/d8/projects/hwy68minneotatomarshall.
Join the Southwest Minnesota Facebook group for news, events, and updates
Follow us on Twitter @MnDOTsouthwest for news, events, and updates
For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store