More than 200 construction projects that will help maintain Minnesota’s roads and bridges, improve safety and support thousands of construction jobs across the state will be worked on this year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced Thursday, April 8.
One of the projects will take place near Douglas County: The construction of an overpass at the junction of Highway 29 and Highway 55 near Glenwood .
This two-year project includes construction of the overpass, highway realignment and two roundabouts. Work starts in July 2021 on Highway 55, with the construction of the overpass on Highway 29 to be completed in 2022.
MDOT and Pope County are partnering on the overpass project that will eliminate an “at grade” crossing with the Canadian Pacific Railway System.
The project will also eliminate the existing and undesirable skewed intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 55, moving the junction south to 160th Street and giving the intersection a perpendicular approach, according to MnDOT. Two roundabouts will be constructed -- one on Highway 29 and one on Highway 55 at the intersections with 160th Street.
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In addition to the 200 construction projects, MNDOT crews will make safety and infrastructure improvements to 51 multimodal projects, which are airport, port, transit and railroad projects that are outside of the state road construction program.
“Safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable transportation is vital to the quality of life and economic success of our state,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher in a news release. “Although Minnesota’s transportation needs greatly outnumber available resources, this year’s construction program demonstrates MnDOT’s commitment to making smart investments in our system to better serve all people.”
For a quick overview of the 2021 state construction program announcement, view this video .
Minnesotans can also find an interactive map and full 2021 project list at mndot.gov/construction . Individual project pages include information about construction schedules, traffic impacts, maps, benefits and costs.
“Our crews work tirelessly to keep our transportation safe for all people, and we appreciate Minnesotans’ patience and understanding,” Anderson Kelliher said. “Remember, we’re all in the work zone together. Watch out for work zones, travel at the posted speed limit, put your phone away and avoid distractions while driving.”
