A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-installation of golden panels on Interstate 90 west of Blue Earth, will be held Thursday, July 18th, at 11am.
The public is invited to the ceremony at the new golden panel located near the eastbound Blue Earth rest area.
In 1978, concrete panels near Blue Earth were tinted gold to commemorate the completion of over 3,000 miles of I-90 to be reminiscent of the “Golden Spike” that symbolized completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. However, most of the golden panels were paved over when the interstate needed repaving in 2006.
As part of the current 20 pavement project on I-90 from Blue Earth to south of Wells, the golden panels were reinstalled in their original locations across the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90, just west of Blue Earth. Funding for the nearly $91 million project was primarily from federal funds.
For those who want to attend, MnDOT will direct traffic to travel up the eastbound I-90 exit ramp and drive west on eastbound i-90 to the eastbound Blue Earth Rest Area. After the event, traffic will be direct to travel on eastbound I-90 and exit at Highway 169. Parking will be available in the eastbound I-90 Blue Earth Rest Area parking lot.
If the weather is inclement, the event will be held at the MnDOT Blue Earth Truck Station, 38379 115th St, Blue Earth.