Traffic monitoring, data system to be installed along Highway 14

The Free Press

NORTH MANKATO — During the next four months, Highway 14 drivers will see fiber optic cable being laid between North Mankato and Nicollet, but the project shouldn’t result in any major impacts on traffic, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Although cameras also will be installed as part of the work, MnDOT stated the system will not be used for continuous tracking of vehicles, and video feeds won’t be monitored most of the time.

The work is part of an ongoing effort by MnDOT to expand its fiber optic network. Two years ago, the agency began installing fiber from the MnDOT District 7 headquarters on Mankato’s Bassett Drive, running it along Highway 22, Highway 14 and Highway 169. A new traffic monitoring system for traffic data collection also was installed.

This year’s project will place cable along westbound Highway 14 from North Mankato toward Nicollet.

“Crews will also install new traffic monitoring system cameras for maintenance and non-intrusive vehicle detection devices for traffic data collection,” according to information released by Doris Degenstein, District 7 public affairs coordinator. “Camera feeds will be intermittently monitored, typically as part of incident (e.g.: crash) response efforts, or to verify road pavement conditions.”

The work will be done by Premier Electrical Corp., which was awarded the project with a bid of just under $622,000.

“Motorists should expect shoulder closures along the highway and watch for crews working near the roadway,” Degenstein stated. “The project is expected to be completed by early August, weather permitting.”