Highway 52 to Close at I-90 in Rochester

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will close the interchange starting early Sunday for project completion.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Wide shot of a concrete highway interchange at dawn with layered overpasses and steel support structures. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will close the Highway 52 interchange at I-90 in Rochester starting Sunday morning to finalize construction. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe the benefits of local road construction justify the recurring inconvenience of detours?

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will close Highway 52 in both directions at the I-90 interchange beginning at 1 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2026. This closure, which was delayed due to heavy rainfall, is required to finalize the third and last year of the construction project.

Why it matters

The closure is necessary to perform critical final work, including bridge rail painting, beam finishing, pavement completion, and the installation of temporary striping. This ensures the infrastructure is safely prepared for long-term use following the project.

The total project budget for the interchange improvements is $27.5 million. Additionally, officials have approved $500,000 in assistance for Rochester businesses impacted by the ongoing construction.

The players

Minnesota Department of Transportation

This state agency manages the planning, construction, and maintenance of Minnesota's extensive multi-modal transportation network.

The details

Crews are working to remove temporary bridge construction equipment from the I-90 westbound overpass while finalizing the bridge structure. While the main route will be closed, the offramp from westbound I-90 to northbound Highway 52 will remain open to traffic.

Heavy rainfall caused the project schedule to shift on Sept. 28, 2026.
The Highway 52 closure begins at 1 a.m. on Sept. 28, 2026.
The highway is scheduled to reopen to traffic at 9 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2026.

Market Landscape

This project aligns with national trends driven by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which prioritizes the modernization of regional transport hubs. Such capital-intensive upgrades are designed to enhance long-term efficiency for both commuters and local freight logistics.

Drivers will need to use designated detour routes, including Highway 63 and County Road 7 near Chatfield, to navigate around the construction zone. Local businesses and commuters should plan for travel delays until the route reopens on Wednesday night.

The takeaway

Travelers should check real-time traffic alerts before heading out, as the detour route will be heavily utilized during the three-day closure. Businesses in the area should monitor the project's progress to coordinate customer access throughout the final construction phase.