Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 169—Garrison

Crow Wing County 

Know before you go: check 511mn.org

Currrent work zone

May 11 to mid-June

Hwy 169 detour
Hwy 169 detour Garrison to Bennettville. Select map to enlarge (PNG)

Hwy 169 between Hwy 18 and Pike Ave.

Hwy 169 between Hwy 18 and Co. Rd. 26

  • Periodic lane or shoulder closures with reduced speeds through the south project limits

Garrison is open

  • MnDOT will maintain local access to those who live, work or visit areas within the work area.
    • Expect changes as crews work in segments
    • Use of alternate entrances, flaggers directing stop-and-go traffic, and gravel or grooved surfaces

Note: In mid-June, a temporary roundabout will be used to access Garrison through summer—local shops, eateries, vacation stays and the boat landing at Pikes Point will be open, follow signs

About this project

MnDOT will improve five miles of Hwy 169 from south of Garrison at Crow Wing Co. Rd. 26 to north of Garrison at Pike Ave. Work includes city storm sewer, sidewalk and a new roundabout at the busy Hwy 18 intersection.

Highlights

Project location map
Select map to enlarge (PNG)

In Garrison

  • Reconstruct Hwy 169 from the north and south city limits, includes adjacent entrances and road approaches
  • Construct a four-legged single lane roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 169, Hwy 18 and Monroe St.
  • Install new city storm sewer
  • Update or add pedestrian sidewalk and approaches
  • Upgrade lighting

North and south of Garrison

  • Resurface (mill and overlay) from south of Co. Rd. 26 to south of Hwy 18 in Garrison and north of Hwy 18 to Pike Ave., one mile north of Hwy 18
  • Reconfigure turn lanes at Co. Rd. 26
  • Replace or repair drainage structures
  • Upgrade guardrail

Schedule at a glance

Spring-fall 2026

Traffic will be detoured most of the season. All details are tentative and subject to change.

Dates Work Impacts

Spring-early summer

Construct: May 11 - mid-June
  • Resurface (mill and pave asphalt) the north end of Hwy 169 from Hwy 18 in Garrison to north limits
  • Prepare work areas: road widening near Co. Rd. 26 and temporary roundabout at Hwy 169/Hwy 18 intersection in Garrison

Hwy 169 between Hwy 18 and Pike Ave.

  • Road closed and detoured (PNG) via Hwy 18 Garrison, Hwy 6 Bay Lake to Co. Rd. 14/11 Bennettville
  • Local access maintained; however, expect changes and delays

Hwy 169 between Hwy 18 and Co. Rd. 26

  • Expect single-lane traffic, no shoulders and reduced speeds

Summer 2026

Construct: Mid-June - Sept. 7 (Labor Day)
  • Reconstruct Hwy 169 through the city of Garrison, includes: road, entrances, curb/gutter, underground storm sewer and pedestrian facilities
  • Construct roundabout at Hwy 169, Hwy 18 and Monroe St.
  • Update/ repair the St. Alban's Bay historic culvert bridge (half at a time)
  • Reconfigure turn lanes to improve access at Hwy 169 and Co. Rd. 26

Hwy 169 between Hwy 18 and Pike Ave.

  • Open - work complete

Hwy 169 between Hwy 18 and Co. Rd. 26

Local access

  • Temporary roundabout at Hwy 18/169 in Garrison
  • Monroe OR Central St. will be open
  • Single-lane traffic, no shoulders, reduced speeds, lane shifts and flaggers through the work zone

Early fall 2026
Complete work in Garrison: Begins Sept. 7 (Labor Day)
  • Construct roundabout connections
  • Remove temporary roundabout
  • Continue work between Hwy 18 and Co. Rd. 26

Hwy 169 from Co. Rd. 26 to Hwy 18

  • Intersection closed to all traffic at Hwy 169, Monroe St. and Hwy 18 in Garrison
  • Road closed and detoured (PNG) via Co. Rd. 26, Co. Rd. 8, Hwy 18, Co. Rd. 6 Bay Lake and Co. Rd. 14/11 Bennettville

Local access

  • Access via sidestreets
  • Hwy 169 one lane one-way traffic, no shoulders, reduced speeds, lane shifts and flaggers

Fall 2026
Complete south end work: October

  • Resurface (reclaim/recycle road surface) from Co. Rd. 26 to south of Garrison (city limits)

Hwy 169 in Garrison

  • New road and roundabout open - work complete

Hwy 169 between Co. Rd. 26 and south limits of Garrison

Local access

  • Hwy 169 south of city limitis: one lane one-way traffic, no shoulders, reduced speeds, lane shifts and flaggers

Late fall 2026

Wrap up: November

  • Complete any remaining work on south end, includes work at the St. Alban's Bay historic culvert
  • Turf establishment may continue in 2027
  • South of Garrison to Co. Rd. 26
  • Lane/shoulder closures, flaggers

Preview the design

Layout shows the roundabout and construction concept illustrated at the Hwy 169, Hwy 18 and Monroe St. intersection, includes sidewalks (Updated November 2025).

Urban segment of Hwy 169 in Garrison from the updated preliminary layout
Garrison layout updated November 2025: Image (PNG) or download (PDF)