Hwy 68 Minneota to Marshall project underway

The Highway 68 Minneota to Marshall project got underway Tuesday, July 12. The start date was delayed two months due to utility relocation issues.
The project includes shoulder widening and culvert replacements along 11 miles of Hwy 68 from North Grant Street in Minneota to the Redwood River in Marshall. Drainage repairs near Porter are also part of the project.

Traffic impacts
The detour for Hwy 68 from Minneota to Marshall begins July 12 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. The two culvert replacement detours will not be in place at the same time and the start dates are to be determined.
During culvert replacements north of Porter, Hwy 68 will be detoured to County Road 20 and Hwy 75. The north detour 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 will be in place approximately two weeks.
Watch for message boards on Hwy 68 and future emails for updated information. A detour/work zone map is attached.

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. The completion date is to be determined.