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.”
Project completed in 2021
Central Minnesota (MnDOT District 3)
Highway 4 Meire Grove – Resurfaced through town, updated sidewalks and improved access at Stearns County Road 13.
Highway 6 Itasca County – Resurfaced 10 miles of road, replaced pipes and improved access at Itasca County Road 11.
Highway 10 Elk River – Reconstructed concrete surface, added multi-use trail and improved access at Proctor Avenue.
Highway 55 Belgrade, Brooten – Reconstructed road, storm sewers and sidewalks.
Highway 84 Pine River – Replaced old structure over Norway Brook with a new, wider bridge, underground utilities and added new pedestrian sidewalks and shoulders for bicyclists.
I-94 Maple Grove to Albertville – 2021 work is nearly completed. Reconstructed the concrete surface, added lanes between Maple Grove and Rogers and St. Michael and Albertville, improved bridges and ramps, and improved Elm Creek Rest Area. Work on I-94 between Monticello and Hasty to be completed in 2022.
Highway 95 west of Cambridge – Reconstructed 12 miles of road, added new roundabout at Highway 95/65 and replaced 16 underground pipes.
Highway 107 Braham, Highway 287 Long Prairie, and Highway 27 Wahkon – Set up demonstration projects that allowed the public to ‘try-out’ potential walk and bike opportunities.
Highway 210 Crosby, Ironton – Reconstructed and resurfaced road, replaced underground utilities and upgraded sidewalks.
Highway 210 Deerwood to Aitkin – Smoothened and repaired 12 miles of concrete road surface and replaced pipes.
For a complete list of current MnDOT construction projects, plans and studies, see www.mndot.gov/roadwork.
For real-time travel information on central Minnesota highways, visit 511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.