CEYLON– Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) representatives

held an open house on Tuesday, Oct 26, in Welcome, and Wednesday, Oct. 27, in Ceylon, in regards to the upcoming Highway 263 project scheduled for 2022. Originally the project was scheduled for 2017, but due to circumstances and funds, the project was pushed back each year and now is scheduled for 2022. Since the road will be turned back to the County, there were turnback funds available now. The estimated cost of the project is $8.5 million.

The main part of the project is 11 miles between I-90 and Ceylon and part (four blocks) of Main Street in Ceylon. There is also a portion from I-90 through Welcome and under the overpass of I-90. In 2022 there will be resurfacing of I-90 from Sherburn to Fairmont also. The portion in Welcome will be reconstruction and the portion to Ceylon will be complete reclaim which would dig down to the gravel and widen the road to 16-feet wide adding two feet for each side to make four foot shoulders.Tim Lamkin from Bolten and Menk Engineers in the Twin Cities and Mankato explained some blueprints as questions were asked. The MnDOT representatives present were: Forrest Hasty, project manager, and Irene Aguilar from Windom’s office, also answered questions.

The project is also planning to add two lights to the intersections of County Road 22 and County Road 8 and County Road 26. The project is scheduled for the summer/fall of 2022 on Highway 263 and the spring/summer of 2022 on I-90. The scheduling, of course, depends on the weather. The portion through Ceylon is the trickiest and the City already has plans in order for water and electric reconstruction and new lights. The sidewalks will be compliant with the American Disability Act’s requirements, and drainage and snow control will be improved in town and on the road. The detour for travel from Ceylon to I-90 is planned for Highway 4 (a state hwy.) and County Road 8. The detour for Welcome would be County Road 26. Contractors must see that access to farms is offered. Some cooperation is surely going to be needed but the road will be so much improved said Mr. Hasty. Residents using Highway 263 from Welcome to Ceylon would agree that they are looking forward to a

less rough road and hope it will be done soon. Resurfacing on I-90 from Sherburn to Fairmont will be on the eastbound lane and the lighting will be updated at Highway 4 and Highway 15. They will also upgrade guard rails and drainage. The eastbound lane will be

reduced to one lane but the through-traffic will be available with no detours. Ramps will be closed for one week at the Welcome exit ramp and at the 320th Ave. (fairgrounds road) ramp. The ramp at Sherburn will not be closed. For further information, go to the website, mndot.gov/d7/projects/hwy263ceylon/. The email for Forest Hasty is: forest.hasty@state.mn.us or call him at (507) 508-4018.