Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Motorists traveling in Albert Lea will encounter traffic impacts at several intersections beginning Aug. 5 as crews make improvements to the intersections and traffic signals, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

This work is part of project that will replace an older traffic signal in Albert Lea. Americans with Disabilities Act improvements and changes to vehicle turning and through movements will also be made to increase intersection safety.

Work is scheduled to begin Aug. 5 in Albert Lea at Highway 65 and Front Street to replace the signal and make ADA improvements. ADA improvements will also be made at Highway 65 and Margaretha Avenue. It is expected work will be completed in September.

2024 detours

Albert Lea: Highway 65 (S. Broadway Avenue)

• During construction, traffic on Highway 65 (S. Broadway) will remain open to vehicles.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists will be detoured around the construction zone.
• Northbound pedestrian and bicyclists will be detoured east onto 3rd Street, north onto Newton Avenue and west on College Street.
• Southbound pedestrian and bicyclists will be detoured west on Pearl Street, south on Washington Avenue and east on 3rd Street.
• The rail gate arms will remain functional.

Albert Lea: Front Street

• Front Street will be closed at Broadway Avenue to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists during construction.
• S. Broadway can be accessed via S. Pearl Street or W. 3rd Street.
• Vehicles on Front Street, East of Broadway Avenue will take Newton Avenue north to Highway 65, west on Highway 65/Main Street and south on Highway 13.
• Vehicles on Highway 65/Main Street will continue west and south on Highway 13.
• Vehicles on Front Street, west of Broadway Avenue will go north on 1st Avenue, go east on Main Street and then south on Garfield Avenue to access East Front Street.
• Vehicles on Highway 69 will continue north to Highway 13 and go east, then south on Garfield Avenue to access East Front Street.

Albert Lea: Margaretha Avenue

• Margaretha Avenue will be closed at Broadway Avenue to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists during construction.
• Vehicles on Margaretha Avenue, north of Broadway Avenue: Go north on Margaretha Avenue, west on E. 8th Street and south on Broadway Avenue to rejoin Margaretha Avenue south of Broadway Avenue.
• Vehicles on Margaretha Avenue, south of Broadway Avenue: Go north on Broadway Avenue and east on E. 8th Street to access Margaretha Avenue north of Broadway Avenue.