UPDATED: Driver Killed in Crash at Dakota County Intersection Set for Safety Improvements
A photo provided to Limitless Media News from the scene of the fatal crash.
Published: March 31, 2026 | Last Updated: April 1, 2026 at 8:15 AM.
CASTLE ROCK, MINNESOTA – A 60-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle crash late Tuesday morning at a rural Dakota County intersection that has been identified for upcoming safety improvements. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 11:19 a.m. on March 31, 2026, at the intersection of Highway 3 and 280th Street West in Castle Rock Township.
Investigators say a 2001 Ford F-250 pickup truck was traveling westbound on 280th Street when it collided with a 2014 Dodge Durango that was traveling northbound on Highway 3. The driver of the pickup, identified as Duane Daniel Maag, 60, of Watertown, South Dakota, died at the scene. Authorities noted he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the SUV, identified as a 16-year-old male of Farmington, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment. He was wearing a seat belt.
Airbags deployed in both vehicles. Authorities say alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, and road conditions were reported as dry at the time.
Emergency crews from Randolph-Hampton Fire, Northfield EMS, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota State Patrol responded to the scene. AirCare was initially dispatched but later canceled.
The crash led to a temporary closure of Highway 3 from approximately 12:20 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, between 275th Street West and 280th Street West, as emergency personnel investigated and cleared the scene.
Planned Safety Improvements at High-Risk Intersection
The fatal crash comes as Dakota County is preparing to implement safety upgrades at this and another nearby intersection following a history of serious crashes.
As part of a Rural Intersection Assessment, Dakota County evaluated safety concerns at intersections where county roads meet major roadways. The study included:
280th Street West (County Road 86) and Chippendale Avenue (Highway 3) in Castle Rock and Waterford townships
280th Street West (County Road 86) and Randolph Boulevard/Emery Avenue (Highway 56) in Randolph and Hampton townships
Based on traffic volumes, crash history, and crash types observed, the county recommended converting both intersections to roundabouts.
The planned project includes:
Construction of a single-lane roundabout at each intersection
Drainage improvements
Access management for nearby public and private properties
Public engagement efforts
Right-of-way acquisition
Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, with completion anticipated by Fall 2026.
County officials have previously noted that roundabouts can significantly reduce crash severity by slowing traffic and minimizing dangerous crossing conflicts common at traditional intersections.
Second Serious Crash in Just Over a Month
Limitless Media News reported on a serious crash at the same intersection on February 6, 2026, which appears to have occurred in a very similar fashion. A semi-truck traveling eastbound on 280th Street entered the intersection and collided with a northbound pickup truck. Thankfully, that crash only resulted in non-life-threatening injuries.
You can read more about that incident here: Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down Highway 3 in Castle Rock
Location of the fatal crash in Castle Rock, Minnesota.
Written by: Will Wight
