Highway 61

Corrected: Passing lanes part of $8.7 million resurfacing project

Jun 1, 2022

One of the frequently-cited concerns of the four-to-three lane conversion of Highway 61 in Lake City was the elimination of a place to pass slower traffic between Red Wing and Wabasha. At the time, there were suggestions that the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) was considering...

Morning crash takes out light pole, sign

Jan 5, 2022

A single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Highway 61 and Central Point Road caused damage to a light pole and traffic sign. Lake City Police said a male was driving southbound when he lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway. There were no injuries. Bright morning sunlight could have...

Pedestrian ramp replacement meant to fix drainage issues

Oct 13, 2021

West Chestnut Street at Hwy 61 is undergoing repairs, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Crews will be reconstructing the pedestrian ramp and gutter to help with drainage issues at a low spot in that area. The work is expected to be finished by Oct. 15, weather...

Virtual open house for Hwy. 61 work in Goodhue County

Aug 25, 2021

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) invites the public to visit the virtual open house to learn about the intersection improvements that are scheduled for 2022 along Hwy. 61 at Hwy. 316 and County Road 18 in Goodhue County. Individuals can visit the virtual open house at...

Bridge repair closes highway lane south of Frontenac

Sep 16, 2020

U.S. Hwy. 61 at the bridge south of Frontenac is one lane while crews repair bridge joints, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The project will be complete Sept. 24, weather permitting. Traffic signals will be used to direct traffic in a single lane through the project....

Collision under investigation

Jun 3, 2020

Police are investigating a head-on collision that took place on the Highway 61 viaduct over the railroad tracks on the city’s south side Monday that left at least one person seriously injured. According to an email Lake City Police Sgt. Bill Weist, a southbound 2007 Toyota Camry crossed the center...

Passing lanes north of city planned in 2023

Feb 26, 2020

The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to add passing lanes on sections of Highway 61 between Lake City and Red Wing during a mill-and-overlay project in 2023, according to a MnDOT spokesperson. Michael Dougherty said passing lanes will be added in several places, but exactly where is...

Hwy. 61 project public information officer introduced at open house

Feb 26, 2020

People who attended the Highway 61 reconstruction project open house Feb. 20 had the opportunity to meet Rochester Sand and Gravel’s public information officer on the project, Dick Swenke. A Frontenac resident with contractor experience, Swenke said his job will be to field concerns and questions...

Highway 61 bid higher than expected

Nov 27, 2019

The cost for the Highway 61 reconstruction project is headed upward, but it’s not clear what, if any, additional costs will be borne by the City of Lake City. Rochester Sand and Gravel was the sole bidder for the 2020 Highway 61 reconstruction project in Lake City. The bid amount is just under $14...

Hwy. 61 detour lifted as paving work continues

Aug 21, 2019

A Hwy. 61 detour between Lake City and Reads Landing has lifted as crews wrap up the culvert replacement work, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Rochester Sand and Gravel, a MnDOT contractor, has been replacing culverts at three locations along Hwy 61 between Lake...