Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News ) - Motorists traveling along Highway 52 in the Zumbrota area this weekend could face significant traffic slowdowns.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Spokesman Mike Dougherty says crews will be demolishing the old Highway 58 bridge over Highway 52 beginning Friday night starting at 10 PM. That means all of the traffic on Highway 52 will be diverted onto the exit ramps at the Highway 58 interchange, through the roundabouts adjacent to the new bridge and back to Highway 52 on the entrance ramps.

The contractor has until 5 AM Monday to complete the demolition project, but Dougherty says there is a chance the work could be completed Saturday night or Sunday and allowed normal traffic to resume on Highway 52.

While the slowdowns should not be drastic at times, there could be significant delays for motorists traveling during peak times Saturday morning and afternoon. Dougherty says motorists should plan on their trip taking longer than normal, or find an alternate route. For anyone traveling to the Twin Cities, Dougherty suggests taking Highway 14 to Owatonna and then I-35 north to the Twin Cities.

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