For The Herald

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Motorists will soon encounter traffic pattern changes as part of the Interstate 90 “Bridges of Mower County” construction project through Austin. The changes will begin Thursday, Sept. 2, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

All traffic on I-90 near Dobbins Creek is currently being diverted to the eastbound side of I-90.  On Thursday, Sept. 2, westbound traffic will be switched back to the westbound side of the interstate. Single lane traffic on eastbound and westbound I-90 will be in place through mid-September.

In addition, 10th Place Northeast near Dobbins Creek in Austin is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, Sept. 2, weather permitting. The portion of 10th Place Northeast passing over and immediately surrounding Dobbins Creek has been closed since June 1 as crews have worked on the box culvert and enhanced the sanitary sewer system, as requested by the city of Austin.

The new I-90 eastbound Turtle Creek bridge will open to traffic in mid-September, weather permitting. The bridge has been reduced to single lane in each direction since March.

Lunda Construction is the primary contractor for this $12.8 million project, which includes four bridge replacements in two years. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of September 2010, weather permitting.