Dakota County worked with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Vermillion Township and others to evaluate a possible interchange with Highway 52 at or near the intersections with County Roads 66 and 62 in Vermillion Township. The project study considered long-term alternatives for the location and design of an interchange. It also looked at the safety and mobility benefits and the impacts to properties and environmental resources.
Design studies are currently stopped
Our studies found promising long-term alternatives estimated at about $35 million (2023). The Dakota County Board of Commissioners concluded in February 2023 that an interchange project in the near term was too costly for the county to pursue on its own.
Therefore, Dakota County Transportation staff stopped detailed planning. We will monitor safety concerns as traffic volumes increase. We will also work with MnDOT and property owners on short-term safety and access issues.
Proposed interchange project overview
The intersections of County Roads 66 and 62 with Highway 52 are currently designed to manage safety through use of restricted turns, with U-turn locations near the intersections. As traffic increases, safety and mobility will be harder to manage using the current intersections. Therefore, Dakota County studied alternatives for an interchange.
Such designs would use ramps and bridges to improve the safety for motorists entering or exiting Highway 52 or for travelers crossing Highway 52. An overview was presented at a public meeting on July 27, 2022.
Open House Presentation Boards
Highway 52 partnership
Dakota County is a partner with Goodhue and Olmsted counties, in association with MnDOT, for continuing Highway 52 investments. Obtaining support and funding for needed projects remains a priority.
Trunk Highway 52 Partnership
For assistance or more information
Please contact the county's project manager if you have questions or need assistance.
Doug Abere, Project Manager
952-891-7101
doug.abere@co.dakota.mn.us