By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Even with the fall season upon us, the road construction season is not over yet. Across the Northfield area, several short road projects will start in the next few days.
The Greenvale Avenue railroad crossing will be closed from Friday through Wednesday to replace the Lincoln Waterway Box Culvert. Currently, there is a small 3-foot box culvert under the railroad tracks, which has led to flooding issues. The city is replacing the culvert with a 6-foot by 8-foot culvert. The city has been working with the rail companies to shut down the railroad for construction, meaning that no trains will travel through the area during that time period. Detour signs directing traffic to use Highway 3, Fremouw Avenue, Dresden Avenue, and Spring Street will be posted.
The next project starts today in front of the fire hall, on 5th Street from Highway 3 to Water Street, when the eastbound lanes of traffic will shut down. The project is installing water utilities in the area. Detour signs will be posted directing traffic south on Highway 3 and then onto Woodley Street to go around.
The last project starting this week is an adjustment to the road construction on the Highway 19 roundabout. Starting on Friday, a small stretch of Highway 19 just east of the roundabout will close for several hours. Motorists traveling east towards Northfield will be redirected to County Road 59 at the roundabout until entering back onto Highway 19 near the entrance to St. Olaf College. Motorists traveling west of Northfield will travel on the detour in reverse, detouring off of Highway 19 near St. Olaf onto County Round 59 and rejoining at the roundabout.
The City of Northfield and Rice County are reminding motorists to plan for delays, use caution in work zones, and remove distractions.