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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is delaying a concrete overlay project on U.S. Highway 75 from Pipestone County Road 57 south of Pipestone to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 9 west of Edgerton. The project had been planned for next year, but is now planned for 2029.
According to information from MnDOT, that project will be done at the same time as another project planned for Hwy. 75 from County Road 57 to Highway. 30 in Pipestone, which will also be overlaid with concrete. That project includes a pedestrian trail alongside the highway and could include adjusting the alignment of the intersection of Hwy. 75 and Hwy. 30.
Phillip DeSchepper, MnDOT District 8 utility engineer, said additional infrastructure needs were discovered during the design phase of the project that had been planned for 2026 and those needs must be addressed to ensure the long-term success and resilience of the road.
“These newly discovered needs require more time for thorough environmental review, detailed engineering and right-of-way acquisition,” DeSchepper said. “As a result, we must adjust the project timeline.”
He said combining the two projects will create a more efficient construction schedule. It’s also expected to minimize detour disruptions, reduce construction costs through economies of scale and provide a more cohesive and durable infrastructure improvement. The new combined project from CSAH 9 to Highway 30 is estimated to cost $15.6 million.
Additional projects are planned on Hwy. 75 in Rock County. According to MnDOT, a concrete overlay project is planned next year on Hwy. 75 in Luverne from Main Street to Veterans Drive. That project, which will also include safety improvements, is estimated to cost $9.1 million.
Then in 2027 a project is planned from CSAH 9 to Veterans Drive in Luverne. That project will include asphalt resurfacing, improved drainage and lighting improvements at intersections. It’s estimated to cost $10.8 million.