Forest Lake detours begin as MnDOT undertakes $17M Highway 97 reconstruction project
The work is part of a two-year, $17 million reconstruction of Minnesota 97 between Interstate 35 and U.S. 61 that includes resurfacing the road, constructing a single-lane roundabout at Fenway Avenue and adding turn lanes in specific locations.
In addition, a new multi-use trail will be constructed along the south side of Minnesota 97 to provide a safer space for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as a connection to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.
A raised median also will be added to divide eastbound and westbound traffic on the two-lane roadway; the median also will serve as an accessible pedestrian crossing.
Minnesota 97 will be open to traffic between Falcon Avenue and U.S. 61, and Hornsby Street and all I-35 ramps will remain open, according to a MnDOT news release. Local residential and business access will be maintained throughout construction, although routes will change periodically, the release states.
Motorists can bypass the closure using the following detours:
Eastbound through traffic can use northbound I-35 to eastbound U.S. 8 to southbound U.S. 61
Westbound through traffic can use northbound U.S. 61 to westbound U.S. 8 to southbound I-35
Southbound I-35 traffic can access eastbound Minnesota 97 by using Broadway Avenue to northbound I-35 to eastbound U.S. 8 to southbound U.S. 61.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule dependent and subject to change, according to MnDOT.
For more information, go to mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy97-forestlake/.
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