Traffic signal replacement

About this project

Summary of work

In 2024 and 2025, MnDOT will replace four older traffic signals in Albert Lea and Faribault. These signals are reaching the end of their useful life and need replacement. At some intersections, MnDOT will also make ADA improvements and changes to vehicle turning and through movements to increase intersection safety.

2024 projects

Work is scheduled to begin early August in Albert Lea. It is anticipated to be completed in September.

• Hwy 65 (S. Broadway Ave.) and Front St. in Albert Lea
  • Replace signal
  • ADA improvements
• The S. Broadway Ave. and Margaretha Ave. signal in Albert Lea was initially a part of this project. After a second look, it does not need to be replaced. Only ADA work will occur at this intersection.

Work is scheduled to begin in September in Faribault. It is anticipated to be completed in November.

• Hwy 60 and Western Ave. in Faribault
  • View image of changes
  • Replace signal
  • Expand Western Ave. southbound to include left and right turn lanes
  • Convert Western Ave. northbound to a left turn and thru/right lanes.
  • Add pedestrian crossings on south, west, and north approaches
  • Upgrade median
  • ADA improvements

2025 projects

• Hwy 21 (Lyndale Ave.) and 7th St. NW in Faribault
  • View image of changes
  • Replace signal
  • Expand westbound 7th St. NW to include left and right turn lanes
  • Convert 7th St. NW eastbound to a left turn and thru/right lanes
  • Add pedestrian crossings on the east and north approaches
  • ADA improvements
• Hwy 60 (1st Ave. NE) and 3rd St. NE in Faribault
  • View image of changes
  • Replace signal
  • Convert Hwy 60 from a 4-lane to a 3-lane
  • Add pedestrian crossing on the south approach at 2nd St./Heritage Pl.
  • ADA improvements

Traffic impacts

Albert Lea

Hwy 65 (S. Broadway Ave.), August to late-September

• During construction, traffic on Hwy 65 (S. Broadway) will remain open to vehicles.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists will be detoured around the construction zone.
• Northbound pedestrian and bicyclists will be detoured east onto 3rd St., north onto Newton Ave. and west on College St.
• Southbound pedestrian and bicyclists will be detoured west on Pearl St., south on Washington Ave. and east on 3rd St.
• The rail gate arms will remain functional.

Front St., August to late-September

• Front St. will be closed at Broadway Ave. to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists during construction.
• S. Broadway can be accessed via S. Pearl St. or W. 3rd St.
• Vehicles on Front St., East of Broadway Ave. will take Newton Ave. north to Hwy 65, west on Hwy 65/Main St. and south on Hwy 13.
• Vehicles on Hwy 65/Main St. will continue west and south on Hwy 13.
• Vehicles on Front St., west of Broadway Ave. will go north on 1st Ave., go east on Main St. and then south on Garfield Ave. to access East Front St.
• Vehicles on Hwy 69  will continue north to Hwy 13 and go east, then south on Garfield Ave. to access East Front St.

Margaretha Ave., Sept. 5 to late-September

• Margaretha Ave. southbound will be closed north of Broadway Ave. to vehicles and bicyclists during construction.
• Vehicles on Margaretha Ave., north of Broadway Ave.: Go north on Margaretha Ave., west on E. 8th St. and south on Broadway Ave. to rejoin Margaretha Ave. south of Broadway Ave.

Faribault

Western Ave.

• During construction, Hwy 60 will remain open to traffic.
• Western Ave. will be closed at Hwy 60 to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists during certain stages of construction. Western Ave. north and south of Hwy 60 will not be closed at the same time.
• Vehicles on Western Ave., south of Hwy 60: Go east on 4th St., then east on Division St., turn north on Lyndale Ave. and go east on Hwy 60 to access Western Ave. north of Hwy 60.
• Vehicles on Western Ave., north of Hwy 60: Go east on Grant St. and west on Hwy 60.