A major construction project is about to get underway and will impact commute times for those that travel on Highway 63 North into Rochester.Here are the details from the Minnesota Department of Transportation:

Motorists approaching the Highway 52 and 63 interchange in south Rochester will begin to see motorist drive time estimates on changeable message signs beginning Monday, April 11 in anticipation of construction season, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The signs – one on northbound Highway 63 south of the 48th Street interchange and one on northbound Highway 52 near the Olmsted County Road 1 interchange – will provide driving time estimates to the Highway 52-63 interchange and the Second Street Southwest interchange via Highway 52.

Construction will begin April 18 to replace the bridge decks of Highway 52 over Highway 63, as well as establish an acceleration lane for Highway 52 north. The interchange is the fifth busiest in Greater Minnesota with average daily traffic of 74,000 vehicles.

The drive time estimates are being activated now to help motorists gauge their drive times in this area prior to construction season.

Also on Monday, April 11, MnDOT will activate a ramp meter on the northbound Highway 63 entrance loop to northbound Highway 52 to help regulate traffic flow during construction when Highway 52 traffic will be narrowed to single lanes in each direction.

The ramp meter is believed to be the first such device in Greater Minnesota, although they are commonly used on freeway entrance ramps in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The meter will operate during peak traffic hours. The rate vehicles are released is based on traffic flow on Highway 52. The ramp meter will only be in operation during this construction project.

As construction progresses motorists should pay attention to changes in highway ramp access. Ramp closures will occur from May through September during construction necessitating detours. All detours will be marked. Additional announcements will be made prior to each ramp closure to allow motorists to plan their travel times or alternate routes.

Allow yourself a little extra time to reach your destination and you'll be fine. Please drive with caution, be attentive, and slow down in work zones.

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