Transportation

Freeborn County Road Construction

Submitted by James Wilcox, ABC 6 News Anchor

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, 4:36pm

Drivers can expect single-lane traffic on Highway 65 between the Iowa border and Interstate 35 beginning Tuesday, May 7, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Crews will be resurfacing the road and doing culvert repairs.Flaggers will control traffic throughout the project, which is scheduled to continue through mid- June, weather permitting.

MnDOT urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Southbound I-35 in Albert Lea Reopened

Submitted by KAAL_Web_Staff

Friday, December 21st, 2012, 9:13am

ROCHESTER, MN - The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol has opened southbound Interstate 35 between Albert Lea and the Iowa border.

This section of I-35 had been closed since Thursday at approximately 2 p.m. due to multiple accidents and per the request of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

In Iowa, I-35 from the Minnesota border to Ames is also now open.

Current driving conditions in southeastern Minnesota are fair, and motorists should still use extreme caution when traveling.

No interstate highways or other road closures in southeastern Minnesota are anticipated at this time.

MnDOT snow plow operators are out in force and will continue to do their part to make our highways safe.

For updated information, call 511 or click on www.511mn.org.

View Comments | Post a Comment

As Temps Drop Problems Come with Garage Doors

Submitted by James Wilcox, ABC 6 News Anchor

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012, 2:46pm

As Temps Drop Problems Come with Garage Doors

As temperatures begin to drop – albeit slowly – the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is offering some tips on choosing a garage door repair company. Though there are many reputable firms to choose from, the garage door industry has historically had some issues; typically with non-local businesses claiming a local connection.

“Most business owners know that many customers prefer to deal with a local company,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “To capitalize on that, some out of state firms purchase local phone numbers which re-direct to call centers elsewhere. While this practice is not uncommon, we prefer it when companies are upfront about their location and clear in regard to their local presence.”

To help consumers avoid problems and find reputable companies, the BBB offers these tips on hiring a garage door repair firm:

View Comments | Post a Comment

Seat Belt Enforcement Starts Friday

Submitted by KAAL_Web_Staff

Thursday, October 11th, 2012, 10:04am

_(ABC 6 News)- City, state and county officers are preparing for one of the biggest enforcement waves of the year.

From October 12th- 26th extra officers will be out on Minnesota roads looking for unbelted drivers. Not wearing a seat belt is now considered a primary offense in Minnesota law.

That means officers don't need another reason to pull you over. Not wearing your seat belt is enough to get execute a traffic stop.

Extra shifts will take place both during the day and at night.

The enforcement wave is part of the Department of Public Safety's Toward Zero Death campaign. Olmsted County is still in the top 10 for deadliest counties.

The average cost of a seat belt ticket is $100.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Highway 14 Interchange Opens Friday

Submitted by Gordon Severson, ABC 6 News Reporter-Rochester

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012, 4:56pm

After nearly three years of construction the Highway 14 project in Owatonna is finally coming to an end.

MnDOT says the highway will be open to motorists starting 9:00 PM Friday night.

The $52-million project expanded the highway to four lanes and created a brand new interchange near I-35.

The roadway is seen as a major corridor connecting several large cities in the region.

"They're going to save themselves some time and probably reduce their commute by about 15 minutes. That will be good. I think it's going to be good for the entire area for development and things like that," MnDOT Public Affairs Coordinator Kristin Kammueller explains.

Workers are still making some last minute touches on the project installing new signs and signals on the roadway.

It will all be wrapped up before the weekend.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Portion Of Bridge Avenue Closed All Week

Submitted by Melanie Bloom, ABC 6 News Anchor

Monday, August 27th, 2012, 5:19am

Portion Of Bridge Avenue Closed All Week

The City of Albert Lea will close Bridge Avenue from Hawthorne Street to Richway Drive on Monday August 27 until Friday August 31.

This closure will allow the City's Utility Department to complete repairs to the watermain near the entrance of the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

A detour route will be posted and will route drivers onto Hawthorne Street, Lakewood Avenue, and Richway Drive.

Bridge Avenue is expected to be reopened at the end of the day on Friday.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Katherine Street Reconstruction Begins In Albert Lea

Submitted by Melanie Bloom, ABC 6 News Anchor

Monday, August 20th, 2012, 10:08am

Katherine Street Reconstruction Begins In Albert Lea

Because of the reconstruction of Katherine Street, the intersection at Main Street and Katherine Street will be closed.

The City of Albert Lea is detouring west bound traffic at Garfield Avenue, along Front Street and Broadway Avenue and then back to Main Street. Eastbound traffic will be unaffected.

The detour is expected to last two weeks.

Shoppers may still access Fountain Warehouse Liquor, Walgreens and McDonalds on Katherine Street from Bridge Avenue.

View Comments | Post a Comment