Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Washington St.—Brainerd

Hwy 210 from Baxter Dr. to Pine Shores Rd., Crow Wing County

Brainerd is open for business

Accesses to businesses will be open and maintained during this Brainerd roadwork project. However, plan for and expect some access changes to your business.

  • Gravel surfaces
  • Use of side or back entrances
  • Use of alternate streets when a hard closure is necessary
  • Temporary sidewalk or pedestrian detours

MnDOT will have a contact and phone line available to businesses and residents along the project once construction begins in 2026

Resources

These are ideas that worked for other businesses in Minnesota during road construction. We hope they inspire you to help you build your plan.

  1. Prep your customers that construction is coming by giving them a handout and putting up signage in your business.
  2. Inform customers about the construction and detours through your communication channels (social media, customer newsletter, email marketing, business website, Google business page)
  3. Increased communication to customers to remind them that you are open.
  4. Keep your messages positive and show gratitude to customers.
    • Here’s an example: Yes, the street is under construction, but our doors are open! We're here and ready to serve you. We know the road work might make your journey a bit more challenging, but we appreciate your continued support during this time.
    • Tell customers how to contact you if they have questions about getting to your business. Make sure employees are ready to answer those questions.
    • Grab your customer’s attention by different marketing efforts such as coupons, advertising, special sales and raffles. One business had a special called: Hard Hat Thursday.
  5. Collaborate/partner with neighboring businesses to come up with ideas to generate business. Ideas could include holding joint sale events, sharing each other’s social media posts and handing out coupons of other businesses.