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MNDOT ANNOUNCES COMPLETITION OF 261 ROAD AND BRIDGE PROJECTS DURING 2021 CONSTRUCTION SEASON

The Minnesota Department of Transportation advanced or completed 261 road and bridge projects during the 2021 construction season.

“This year’s construction program delivered new bridges and smoother roads, and improved designs to create better connections and mobility for people walking and biking. Several projects also addressed aging infrastructure to help rejuvenate main streets in communities across Minnesota,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “The projects completed this year will help us achieve our long-term vision of a safer and more sustainable and equitable transportation system that serves all Minnesotans.”

2021 was the second full construction season to occur during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and additional safety protocols – as well as some minor delays due to the drought and water restrictions – MnDOT crews and contractors worked tirelessly to complete most projects on-time and on-budget.

“We are grateful to the crews, contractors and suppliers who worked diligently to overcome supply chain challenges – and to all Minnesotans for their patience during road construction,” added Commissioner Anderson Kelliher. “Some work zones around the state will remain active into November, so motorists should remain alert for crews and equipment. Always slow down, move over to give workers room to safely work, and be courteous of other drivers in the work zone with you.”

Major projects completed in 2021

Notable projects completed during the 2021 construction season include 35W@94 Downtown to Crosstown in Minneapolis, I-94 Maple Grove to Clearwater, Highway 14 Dodge Center to Owatonna, the Highway 72 International Bridge in Baudette and Highway 61 in Grand Marais.

More construction highlights by region can also be found at www.mndot.gov/construction.

Northeast Minnesota (MnDOT District 1)

Northwest Minnesota (MnDOT District 2)

Central Minnesota (MnDOT District 3 and District 4)

  • I-94 Maple Grove to Albertville — Crews are nearing completion on work that includes concrete resurfacing, adding lanes between Highway 610 and Highway 101 and between St. Michael and Albertville, improving bridges and ramps, improving the Elm Creek Rest Area and building a new interchange at Dayton Parkway.
  • Highway 10 Elk River – Reconstructed highway between Simonet Drive and Lowell Avenue, added multi-use trail and improved access at Proctor Avenue. All lanes open by early November.
  • Highway 95 west of Cambridge – Reconstructed 12 miles and replaced 16 pipes from Isanti County Road 15 near Wyanett to west side of Cambridge, added new roundabout at Highway 95/65.
  • Highway 210 Crosby, Ironton – Reconstructed Highway 210 from Second Street SW to Third Avenue NE in Crosby, replaced underground utilities and sidewalks, resurfaced from west of Seventh Avenue in Ironton to Second Street SW in Crosby and upgrade sidewalks.
  • Highway 87 Frazee to Becker/Wadena County Line – Reconstructed and resurfaced 26 miles of pavement, widened shoulders between Frazee and Evergreen, replaced bridge over the Otter Tail River near Frazee.
  • Highway 12 Ortonville to Highway 59 – Reconstructed and resurfaced 26 miles of pavement, widened shoulders, replaced box culverts. Road is expected to open in November.

Twin Cities

  • I-94 Maple Grove to Albertville — Crews are nearing completion on work that includes concrete resurfacing, adding lanes between Highway 610 and Highway 101 and between St. Michael and Albertville, improving bridges and ramps, improving the Elm Creek Rest Area and building a new interchange at Dayton Parkway.
  • I-35W Minnesota River Bridge in Burnsville, Bloomington — Completed multiyear project to replace the I-35W Bridge over the Minnesota River, replace pavement and add a new trail.

Southeast Minnesota (MnDOT District 6)

  • Highway 14, Dodge Center to Owatonna – Completed new 12.5-mile, four-lane section, new bridges over the highway near Claremont, two new interchanges, removed 13 at-grade railroad crossings in Dodge and Steele counties. Traffic expected on new route in early November. Some work on local roads planned in 2022. Construction began in 2020.
  • Highway 63/I-90 interchange – Completed two-year project that replaced two Highway 63 bridges over I-90, reconstructed I-90 off-ramp to northbound Highway 63, constructed new off-ramp to southbound Highway 63 included acceleration lanes and rerouted Highway 30 intersection.
  • Highway 74 Whitewater State Park – Rehabilitated four historic bridges on Highway 74 in Whitewater State Park.

Southwest Minnesota (MnDOT District 7 and District 8)

  • Highway 71, Sanborn bridge  – Replaced bridge spanning the Cottonwood River, improved drainage and wildlife passage.
  • Highway 71 in Willmar – Completed several road and safety improvements along six miles, including a reduced conflict intersection, median construction, culvert replacement, U-turn access, pavement maintenance, and concrete pedestrian crossings.

For a complete list of current MnDOT construction projects, plans and studies, see www.mndot.gov/roadwork.

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