Intersection Improvements At Hwy 169 + Hwy 65 Start July 6

Safety improvements to the intersection of Highway 169 and Highway 65 will start on Monday, July 6. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is alerting motorists that work will occur in three stages, with a variety of lane shifts, traffic controls, and detours in the area for the remainder of the summer. During Stage One, drivers will see traffic control shifts, a single lane on Highway 169 northbound and southbound, and 11-foot lanes on Highway 65 northbound in Nashwauk.

Stage Two will require a detour - on County Road 86 - as there will be no access to or from northbound Highway 169 to Highway 65. This detour is anticipated to start on Monday, July 13.

The project is part of an overall plan to improve the sight lines at the intersection. The safety improvements will work towards addressing the higher-than-usual crash history in the area.

For more information about rest stops, projects, and more - click here to get information from their website.

For the time being - as the COVID-19 Pandemic response is in place, MNDOT is working hard to adhere to Governor Tim Walz's Stay at Home executive order. Road work has been identified as a Critical Service by the state and will continue on.

Here are some important reminders from MNDOT about safety in regards to this specific project as well as any of the projects you might encounter this summer:

Slow down when approaching a work zone
Use caution when navigating through the marked-off work area
Stay alert - work zones constantly change
Watch for workers and slow moving equipment
Obey the posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
Minimize distractions behind the wheel
Be patient
Expect delays - especially during peak travel times

For more information about this specific project or any of the scheduled road work across the state, click here to visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation's online project page.