Of this year’s 258 state highway and bridge projects, 128 have been completed as of Nov. 1, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The remaining 130 projects will either be completed by the end of 2011 or continue into next year or longer.

The 2011 construction season was interrupted in July by a three-week government shutdown. Since the return to work on July 21, MnDOT and crews have been working hard to make up lost time on construction projects, which has been helped considerably by a dry fall.

Projects in southern Minnesota include:

• U.S. Highway 14 between Waseca and Owatonna. Work is progressing on the multi-year project, which includes a new interchange at I-35 and Highway 14. Construction is ongoing and is scheduled for completion in summer 2012. Construction cost is $107.8 million.

• U.S. Highway 14 resurfacing project in Rochester. Work is complete on the project, which included curb and gutter work, landscaping, new bike trails and fiber-optic technology. Construction cost is $6 million.

• Minnesota Highway 23 bypass project in Paynesville–Construction began in spring 2009 and is scheduled for completion in August 2012. (Construction cost: $32.2 million)

• Minnesota Highway 60 four-lane expansion project between Worthington and Bigelow. The three-phase project began in summer 2010 and is scheduled for completion in 2013. Construction cost is $45 million.

• Minnesota Highway 83 resurfacing project from Mankato to Minnesota Highway 30. Work is nearing completion on the project, with Highway 83 scheduled to open in early November. Construction cost is $10 million.