By Rich Larson, KYMN News
The Rice County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in the Commissioners Room of the County Government Services Building in Faribault to update county residents on the planned County Road 20 project. No formal presentation is planned.
County Road 20 is a key north-south route in Rice County, connecting Faribault and Dundas.
According to a statement released by the county, the four-phase project is designed to enhance roadway safety and functionality while also adding a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
The first of the four phases is 3.75 miles long, and is scheduled for the 2027 construction season. It’s expected to include new turn lanes, grading, widened/paved shoulders, drainage improvements and a new shared-use path. Successive segments are scheduled to be completed in alternating years, ending in 2033.
County officials, including Highway staff, will be present during the open house to answer questions about the project. A summary of all comments received will be presented to the board before the project receives final approval.
Comments on the proposed project may also be submitted online by clicking here or they may be mailed to: Rice County Highway Department, 610 20th St. NW, Faribault MN 55021.
Those interested may also sign up to receive notifications about the project as it progresses at by clicking here and selecting County Road 20 project notifications in the Notify Me section. Notifications can come via email or text.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
