Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle will lead a celebration Friday morning in Albert Lea to highlight the work on Highway 65.

The $5.3 million project repaved a stretch of Highway 65 and Highway 13 through Albert Lea, while continuing the work of the city in its downtown with brick pavers, trees, tree grates and decorative street lighting. MnDOT worked with the city of Albert Lea on the project and addressed the city’s request to use a dual left turn lane. Additionally, improvements were made for pedestrian access with ramps and signals. Ulland Bros. of Albert Lea is the prime contractor. The project close to completion.

Zelle will be part of a celebration highlighting the work at 11 a.m. Friday at Broadway and College Street in Albert Lea at the Freeborn County Courthouse, 411 South Broadway. First District Congressman Tim Walz will be attending, as will local elected officials, members of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, and the Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea. The event is open to the public.

Zelle will also meet in Albert Lea with leaders from the region to talk about transportation needs.

“This project not only improves the road, but improves accessibility, aids downtown business efforts and shows how government can work together,” Zelle said.