Olmsted County celebrates groundbreaking of CSAH 44 and TH 14 interchange project

Olmsted County marked an important milestone on Friday, October 30, 2026, with the official groundbreaking of planned improvements to the intersection of County State Aid Highway 44 (CSAH 44) and Trunk Highway 14 (TH 14). 

Local and regional leaders, project partners, and community members gathered near the project site to celebrate the start of construction on the future interchange. 

Attendees included state and federal lawmakers, representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, members of the construction team, and former Olmsted County leaders. 

The project will improve safety and mobility along an important regional transportation corridor while preparing for future growth. TH 14 carries approximately 30,000 vehicles per day at this location, while CSAH 44 carries approximately 3,000 vehicles per day. 

During the ceremony, local and state leaders shared the importance of the project and the collaboration that helped bring it to this point. 

Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Dave Senjem thanked the many people and partners whose efforts helped bring the project to this milestone. 

"On behalf of the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners and the Rochester community, thank you to everyone who has put their time and effort into making this project possible. These improvements will benefit our community and everyone who travels this corridor for years to come," Senjem said. 

Olmsted County Public Works Director Ben Johnson reflected on the more than two decades of planning that led to the groundbreaking and noted the significance of this project for our county.  

"This effort represents the largest locally led project in Olmsted County's history," he said. "It's been a long and complex journey, and it's exciting to finally be at the point where we're putting shovels in the ground." 

Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger highlighted the partnership between MnDOT and Olmsted County and the importance of the TH 14 corridor to the region. 

"This project recognizes how integral the Highway 14 corridor is to the west of Rochester. It also brings together important funding from the federal government, the state government, and the county government, illustrating the project's importance to all who use it, whether they are commuting into and out of Rochester, traveling to Mayo Clinic, or moving freight and goods," she said. 

Construction is anticipated to be completed in fall 2028. Once finished, the interchange will provide a safer and more reliable connection along this important regional route. 

The groundbreaking marked the beginning of the next phase of work toward improving transportation safety, strengthening regional connections, and preparing Olmsted County for the future.