The St. Croix River Crossing, Highway 52 resurfacing and bridge projects, Highway 53 realignment project in Virginia, Highway 169/Nine Mile Creek project, and Interstate 694 and I-94 in the Twin Cities were some of the major projects completed during the 2017 road construction season, according to Minnesota Department of Transportation.

“This has been a significant year for road construction,” said Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “We have finished some large, complex projects as well as work on roads that carry a great deal of traffic. The end result is smoother, safer roads with much better trip reliability. ”

The $1.1 billion construction program included 211 road and bridge projects. An additional 57 projects helped improve safety at railroad crossings, and made improvements on runways and terminals at regional airports.

Southern Minnesota project highlights in 2017 include:

I-35 and Highway 14 bridge replacements – Five bridges were replaced near Owatonna, three on I-35 and two on Highway 14.

Highway 43 Winona Bridge – The new bridge opened to two-way traffic in August 2016, while the existing bridge remains closed for rehabilitation work. The older bridge is expected to be completed between fall 2019 and spring 2020.

Highway 52 between Zumbrota and Rosemount – resurfacing the northbound lanes and installing a cable median barrier was completed from north of Rochester to south of Zumbrota. A bridge replacement was completed at Highway 58 over Highway 52 at Zumbrota and two bridge replacements at the Little Cannon River on Highway 52 in Cannon Falls were completed.

Highway 63 Red Wing Bridge – Bridge piers are being built on the new bridge and the connecting ramp to Highway 61 at Red Wing is under construction. Traffic will remain open on the bridge through construction. Work continues this winter with an anticipated opening in fall 2019.

I-90 preservation projects – Pavement and bridge repairs occurred at several locations along I-90 in southern Minnesota. The project also made improvements to lighting systems and upgraded the Worthington Weigh Station.

Highway 99 bridge in St. Peter – Rehabilitation of the historic bridge will be complete in early December. Traffic is detoured while crews finish final construction and painting of the bridge.

Highway 4 in St. James – This multi-year project will include reconstruction of approximately 1.6 miles of Highway 4, including two new mini-roundabouts. Project will be complete in early 2019.

Highway 15 in New Ulm – Resurfaced deteriorating pavement, added center two-way left turn lane, repaired two bridges and made improvements to traffic signals and sidewalks.

Highway 22 Mankato to Mapleton – The Highway 22 Victory Memorial Drive project will continue through 2019. The project includes repaving, bridge work, a roundabout and replacing trees that have to be removed for the project.