OWATONNA — Motorists will encounter two traffic switches at the Highway 14/Interstate 35 interchange near Owatonna from Oct. 21-24, as crews finish temporary ramp and loop connections on the new interchange.

The ramp from westbound Highway 14 to northbound Interstate 35 will close Oct. 21 at noon. Motorists should follow the posted detour.

Detour: Steele County Road 180 west, to Steele County Road 43 north, to Steele County Road 8 west, continue on Steele County Road 34 west and back to I-35 north.

Motorists who want to continue on Highway 14 west should stay on Steele County

Road 34 west/26th Street NW to 24th Avenue NW and back onto Highway 14 west toward Mankato.

In addition, I-35 southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane Oct. 21 at noon.

The ramp and lane closures will be in effect until 7 p.m., Oct. 24, weather permitting.

The work is part of the three-year reconstruction of Highway 14 from Waseca to Owatonna, which also includes construction of a new interchange at I-35 and Highway 14.

When completed, motorists will experience a smoother, safer ride.

Mathiowetz Construction Co., Sleepy Eye, Minn., is the prime contractor for the $51.8 million project. Work for the 2010 construction season will be finished in November. The entire project is expected to be completed by June 15, 2012.

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