Re-construction project planned for Highway 56 in LeRoy

(ABC 6 News) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to reconstruct nearly a mile and a half stretch of Highway 56 in LeRoy.

The project is hoping to address road conditions, improve water drainage, enhance student crosswalk safety, and make the entire area more accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Really what it comes down to is that the road itself has just been there so long that it needs to be replaced. So that means we’re going to go all the way down, take the whole thing out and put in a brand new road. And so while we’re doing that it’s a great opportunity for the city to replace some aging utilities. So le roy has decided to do that as well.,” MnDOT Public Engagement Coordinator Cindy Morgan said.

Despite the project’s value, some residents and businesses in LeRoy are concerned about how it could negatively impact their business.

That includes the town’s mayor Edwin Koppen, who owns Koppen hardware located on the stretch of road that’s planned to be replaced.

“Mainly the business owners been very congenial they just trying to make sure that they are not going to be shut down for a while and they are just trying to be aware if there is going to be an additional cost to them that won’t be covered by MnDOT or not covered by the city how much will be costing them,” Koppen said.

MnDOT has been working with the city for many years now trying to get this project off the ground and that includes efforts to work with businesses to minimize drawbacks.

As of now, the project is on track to start in 2024.