The “road closed” signs went up on Hwy 19 last night though the barricades were still off to the side.
The truck drivers from Missy’s Trucking in Rochester were all holed up at Americas Best Value Inn & Suites (former Super 8) on So. Hwy 3.
I’m guessing that by 7 am or 8 am, the detour will be in effect.
July 13 Nfld News: Hwy. 19 closings will compound traffic woes
That means motorists heading from Northfield to I-35 will be forced to detour from the detour. Rice County Engineer Dennis Luebbe says that will push traffic on to County Road 59, known locally as Old Dutch Road.
The road, which intersects with Hwy. 19 just west of St. Olaf College, runs almost parallel to the highway. The detour heads north at Baldwin Avenue, which connects with Hwy. 19 west of Holyoke Avenue. Eastbound travelers will take the detour in reverse.
For north-bound travelers, I think Cty Rd. 23 (AKA Cedar Ave) might be a better option. Take it to Cty Rd. 86, west to Cty Rd 46 (AKA Pillsbury Ave), north to Cty Rd 2, west again to the intersection with I-35 near Elko/New Market.
For south-bound travelers, remember:
County Road 1, from west of Dundas to the interstate, has been closed for weeks as crews widen the roadway and straighten two curves near Baldwin Avenue county officials consider unsafe. Traffic which would have used County Road 1 has been detoured to Hwy. 19, a move approved by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The detour barricades at Old Dutch Road were being put up at 6 am.