U.S. 169 project begins July 12

Work on a resurfacing improvement project will begin July 12 on Highway 169 from north of Garrison to Highway 210 in Aitkin and includes a segment of Highway 210 in Aitkin from west of Eighth Avenue to east of Highway 169.

Crews will resurface 19 miles of roadway with new blacktop, (this includes shoulders and turn lanes), construct 26 new turn lanes for improved safety and repair or replace culverts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported.

Road segments and traffic impacts include:

Highway 169 south of Aitkin to Garrison: July 12 September. Weekday lane closures/shifts, periodic stops controlled by flaggers and a pilot car.

Highway 169 Detour: Mid-August for four days. Weekday detour for about four days as crews replace a culvert just south of Aitkin. The three-mile detour will be via Aitkin County Road 76.

Highway 169/210 in Aitkin: Late July August. Weekday lane closures/shifts, heavy moving equipment, flaggers controlling traffic at accesses, parking restrictions and city side street closures.

Project wide: September. Periodic lane closures as crews complete permanent pavement markings and establish turf along the roadway.

When the project is complete, motorists will experience a smoother ride and a safer highway, MnDOT reported.

Anderson Brothers Construction of Brainerd is the prime contractor for the $4.5 million project, which is anticipated to be completed by Sept. 21, weather permitting.

For updated statewide traffic, construction, weather and travel information go online to www.511mn.org.