Dakota County is working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Vermillion Township to evaluate needs and design a new interchange with Highway 52 at or near the intersections with County Roads 66 and 62 in Vermillion Township. Our team is currently reviewing possible interchange locations and design options.
Project overview
The intersections of County Road 66 and 62 with Highway 52 are currently designed to manage safety through use of restricted turns, with U-turn locations near the intersections. Restricted-access intersections have proven safer than conventional all-way intersections on major roads like Highway 52. However, the U-turns are required to complete all “left turns" entering Highway 52 and to go across Highway 52 as well.
As traffic increases, safety and mobility will be harder to manage using the current intersections. Therefore, Dakota County proposes to design an interchange at or near the current main intersection, at County Road 66 and Highway 52, at County Road 62 and Highway 52 (one mile to the north), or at other alternative locations in the study area.
A new interchange should generally include a bridge or bridges at Highway 52 with ramps connecting the county roads and other design elements to address changes to property access.
Environmental review
Dakota County will balance planning for long-term transportation safety and mobility, Vermillion River natural resources and recreation, agricultural lands, and community benefits and impacts. We'll be working closely with MnDOT, Vermillion Township, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other stakeholders.
Our studies will include a 2022 Environmental Assessment, which will review the proposed project and approaches to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts.
Tentative project timeline
These schedule goals could shift to later years based on technical progress, impact studies, cost estimates and project funding.
- 2021–2022: Interchange need, location, environmental and preliminary design studies
- 2023: Final engineering design, including right-of-way negotiations (if funded)
- 2024: Bid project and begin construction (if funded)
Public outreach summary (fall 2021) & Highway 52 partnership
The study hosted the first public open house on Sept. 28, 2021 at the United Steelworkers Union Hall in Vermillion Township. See a summary of information presented and updated through fall 2021, survey results, and comments and questions received.
Public Outreach Summary (Fall 2021)
Trunk Highway 52 PartnershipFor assistance or more information
New information will be posted here as it becomes available. Notices will be mailed to property owners when public meetings are scheduled. You can also contact the county's project manager if you have questions or need assistance with posted information.
Doug Abere, Project Manager
952-891-7101
doug.abere@co.dakota.mn.us