About this project
Public meeting
MnDOT is hosting two public meetings to share project plans, designs, detours and improvements for the Highway 52 project. Join us at either public meeting to learn more. The same information will be shared at both. There will be no formal presentation. Come and go on your own time.
Fountain meeting location
- Date: Tuesday, June 16
- Time: 4-6 p.m.
- Location: Fountain Community Center, 83 County Highway 33, Fountain
Chatfield meeting location
- Date: Wednesday, June 17
- Time: 4-6 p.m.
- Location: Chatfield City Hall, 21 2nd Street SE, Chatfield
Anyone who was not able to attend is encouraged to review the meeting materials. People with comments or questions can provide their feedback through the comments tab by June 30, 2026.
Summary of work
In 2027 and 2028, MnDOT will resurface and make additional improvements to Highway 52. The project includes resurfacing the northbound and southbound lanes, removing and replacing box culverts and completing other minor work. A new bypass lane will be constructed at County Road 40.
We will also construct a cul-de-sac at 3rd Street in Fountain and re-align West County Road 8 for better sightlines. Both items will improve intersection safety.
Update
After gathering community feedback, the project team determined a bypass lane is needed at County Road 40. Community members shared their experiences at a public meeting, leading the team to re-evaluate this section. We concluded a bypass lane is warranted. Significant work is required to remove rock and make room for the bypass lane. Property owners and residents impacted by this work will receive additional information closer to construction.
We have assigned a team to look at all crossings with the City of Chatfield as part of a separate project. This team will continue to evaluate crossings, including pedestrian crossings.
The Chatfield historical marker will be addressed in another project in 2026. This project will resurface the roadway in front of the marker.
Construction impacts
Construction is planned for 2027 and 2028. Two detours will be required in the first year, 2027. Detours will likely not be needed in 2028. Instead, the team is looking into using flaggers and pilot cars to help motorists navigate past the resurfacing crew.
Year 1
- Create southbound bypass lane at County Road 40
- Replace and repair culverts
- Realign West County Road 8
Year 2
- ADA sidewalk work
- Resurface the roadway
Highway 52 detour
Vehicles traveling southbound on Highway 52 will detour east on Highway 30, then south on County Road 11. Vehicles will return to Highway 52 at Fountain. The same will be in reverse for northbound vehicles.
West County Road 8 detour
Vehicles traveling east on West County Road 8 will turn south on County Road 7, east on Highway 80 and reach Highway 52. Vehicles intending to go west on West County Road 8 will turn west on Highway 80, north on County Road 7 and return to West County Road 8.