Olmsted County secures $2 million in federal funding for proposed interchanges at Trunk Highway 14 and County State Aid Highways 3 and 5

February 6, 2026

Olmsted County is pleased to announce it has secured $2 million in federal funding to advance the design and environmental review of two planned interchanges along U.S. Highway 14 in Byron, a major step toward improving safety, mobility, and long-term regional growth. 

Olmsted County thanks Representative Brad Finstad and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith for their support in securing this funding, a key step toward advancing safety improvements along the Highway 14 corridor in Byron. 

“As Olmsted County growth continues to outpace state and national averages, it’s imperative that our transportation infrastructure meets the growing demands of our region,” said Olmsted County Commissioner Michelle Rossman. “This project is a critical step to enhancing the safe and efficient movement of people and goods and supporting residential and business growth along this corridor.” 

The funding will support work at the intersections of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 3, 10th Avenue, and CSAH 5 with Trunk Highway (TH) 14, helping move the long-planned project closer to construction. These improvements are intended to replace several high-risk, at-grade intersections and a railroad crossing with safer, more efficient interchanges. Notably, the last two remaining traffic signals on TH 14 between Rochester and New Ulm will be removed.  

“Securing this funding means real progress toward safer roads and better connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Olmsted County Public Works Director Ben Johnson. “It reflects Olmsted County’s strategic priorities of community safety and well-being and responsible growth and development and will help improve quality of life.” 

Earlier this year, Olmsted County also received $1.37 million for the TH 14 and CSAH 3 and 5 project from the Minnesota Department of Transportation through its Corridors of Commerce Readiness Advancement Awards. This, along with the federal funding, will allow Olmsted County, in partnership with the City of Byron and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, to advance environmental review and design work for these two important interchange projects to improve safety along the TH 14 corridor.

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Media Contact: Emma Diercks, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6166