MNDOT TO STUDY POTENTIAL REMOVAL OF LIGHTING SYSTEM AT INTERSECTION NEAR COURTLAND

MnDOT is going to evaluate the potential removal of intersection lighting at Highway 68 and Blue Earth County Road 45 near Courtland.  MnDOT says the system has reached the end of its useful life and needs replacement.  The intersection doesn’t meet MnDOT’s criteria established for at-grade intersection lighting and has maintained a strong safety record meaning no fatal or serious injury crashes from 2015 to 2024 and none so far in 2025.  Neither MnDOT nor Blue Earth County can sustain the system if it were to be replaced given financial restraints given other competing needs.  MnDOT officials will launch a six-month deactivation study the week of November 10.  The lighting system will be turned off during that time.  The intersection’s operations will be evaluated and crash data monitored for any safety impacts.  If the study doesn’t show any significant impacts, MnDOT will proceed with removal of the system.  You can make comments during the deactivation study by calling MnDOT at 507-304-6100.