MANKATO – Motorists traveling on Highway 60 through Lake Crystal can expect a detour beginning Tuesday, April 15, weather permitting, as crews begin construction, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Through traffic will be detoured to County Road 13 and Highway 169 during construction. Access for all residents and businesses will be maintained during construction. Detour routes for local traffic can be found online at www.dot.mn.gov/d7/projects/hwy60lakecrystal/index.html.

Construction is expected to continue until the completion of the project this fall. Schedules are subject to change depending upon weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.

The project includes reconstructing Highway 60 from Blue Earth County Road 20 to Blue Earth County Road 112 and utility replacement in coordination with the City of Lake Crystal. The project also includes bridge repairs, intersection improvements, construction of a pedestrian trail, and lighting.

The public is invited to attend a construction open house on Tuesday, April 1 at Lake Crystal City Hall, 100 East Robinson Street, anytime between 4 to 6 p.m.

Benefits of the project include improved pavement and utilities, increased safety and traffic flow, and improved pedestrian accommodations. Mathiowetz Construction was awarded the project with a bid of $18,365,360.24.