MnDOT Announces 2026 Construction Projects Across Minnesota

It's your town. Your lives. Your stories. Make sure someone's telling them—donate to Decorah News now. ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation's 2026 road construction season includes more than 200 projects aimed at improving and maintaining Minnesota's roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, MnDOT announced Wednesday. The projects also aim to enhance safety, mobility, and support jobs throughout the state. Travelers should be prepared to slow down as construction ramps up across Minnesota. The 2026 construction season features just over 200 projects that will improve state roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, plus 51 projects focused on airports, water ports, railroad crossings, and transit. More than 20 projects are planned in southeast Minnesota, including two large projects that begin in April. "We have a robust 2026 road construction season ahead of us," said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. "When complete, these projects will help people get around more easily, improve safety, create smoother pavement, and improve connectivity for everyone who relies on our multimodal transportation system. In every work zone there are people working hard to keep you safe—help keep them safe too. Slow down, put away distractions, and work to keep everyone safe. We're all in the work zone together." On April 6, MnDOT District 6 in Rochester will gather with the city of Rochester and Olmsted County for their annual announcement of significant projects and how to learn more. The Minnesota State Patrol will join to provide reminders about safely navigating highways and work zones. More information about safe driving around construction work zones is available on the MnDOT Work Zone Safety website. "We all play a role in safety on our highways as MnDOT and our contractors work to improve travel and safety across Minnesota," said District Engineer Mark Schoenfelder, who leads MnDOT District 6, which covers 11 counties in southeast Minnesota. "This announcement is an important opportunity to know what's planned on our roads. Take a moment to know before you go so you make your trip safe for everyone on that route." 2026 Minnesota Road Construction Planning and Travel ToolsMinnesota travelers can use several online tools to plan ahead and learn which work zones may require extra travel time or detours: Visit mndot.gov/construction to see where construction is taking place and navigate to project websites for traffic changes and detour maps. Sign up for project email updates for notifications on lane or road closures. Check 511mn.org or use the 511 app for near-real-time travel information.Significant Southeast Minnesota Projects Interstate 90-Highway 52 interchange, southeast of Rochester. Lane closures begin April 1, and bridge demolition and detours begin April 6. This is the third and final year of construction, which will replace two I-90 bridges, add a flyover ramp, and reconstruct ramps to improve safety. Interstate 90 Austin bridges. Bridge demolition and detours at Highway 218 south begin April 17, with Highway 218 demolition scheduled for April 24. The westbound I-90 Cedar River bridge is expected to be completed in late May. This project replaces or repairs six bridge sites through Austin. Highway 19 roundabout, north of Lonsdale. Construction begins May 4 with a detour at Rice County Road 2. The roundabout will be completed by July. I-90 resurfacing and bridge replacement, Nodine Hill, Winona County. Construction runs May through November, including resurfacing, replacing the westbound I-90 bridge over Winona County Road 101, and addressing bridge safety, sinkholes, and rock catchment. Highway 74 culvert replacement, Whitewater State Park. Two culverts will be replaced after July 4 through October, using detours while maintaining park access. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.