The detour around road work on West Main Street is about to get longer.

Motorists should prepare for traffic changes on Highway 13-West Main Street in Albert Lea beginning Monday, Aug. 26, when the second phase of road and bridge work in the area begins.

As part of the second phase, crews will resurface Highway 13 from First Avenue to just east of Highway 69, resurface the bridge that spans the I&M Rail link and install a traffic signal at First Avenue.

Highway 13 through traffic will be detoured via Front Street and Highway 69. Highway 13 access to the Skyline Mall will remain open. Work should be completed by late October.

Since the project began, crews have been working on the first phase of the project, which involved the removal and replacement of the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad, the grading of the frontage roads and of Highway 13 from just east of Euclid to First.

The entire project should be completed in November.

For current statewide traveler, weather-related road conditions, construction, and congestion information, motorists can dial 511 or log on to 511mn.org.