Highway 4 St. James to Sleepy Eye project update
Butterfield Creek Bridge construction underway
MANKATO, Minn. – Construction on the Butterfield Creek Bridge north of St. James is underway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Traffic is detoured to Watonwan County Roads 3 and 32, and Highway 30 until mid-August, weather permitting. (detour map below)
Highway 4 from Sleepy Eye to Brown County Road 24 remains closed to traffic as replacement of the bridge over the Cottonwood River south of south of Sleepy Eye continues. Traffic remains detoured to Highway 14 and Brown County Roads 8 and 24 for the duration of the project.
For safety, public carry-in water access near the Cottonwood River on Highway 4 south of Sleepy Eye remains closed during bridge construction. For more information visit the Department of Natural Resources at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/water_access/index.html
Resurfacing on Highway 4 from St. James to Sleepy Eye is expected to begin later this summer and traffic will be detoured to Highway 14, Brown County Road 8, Watonwan County Road 5, and Highway 30.
The Highway 4 project between St. James to Sleepy Eye includes roadway, bridge, and drainage improvements. In addition to resurfacing approximately 25 miles of roadway, three bridges will be replaced. Additionally, the improvements made to the road will allow Highway 4 from St. James and Sleepy Eye to become a 10-ton route.
The project is expected to be complete in early October, weather permitting.
Stay connected
- Visit the Hwy 4 St. James to Sleepy Eye project website for project and detour information, and to sign up for email updates.
- Information will be shared on the MnDOT South Central Facebook group and on X @mndotscentral.
- For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
Project benefits, cost
Benefits of the project include improved pavement, drainage, and safety. Ulland Brothers, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $18,884,550.58.
Important work zone safety reminders:
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
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