Highway 169 opens within the city of Aitkin Friday, July 26

Aitkin to Hassman detour remains in place until mid-October

BAXTER, Minn. – Motorists who travel through Aitkin will notice some changes as the in-town project segment on Highway 169/210 from the Ripple River bridge to Aitkin County Road 12/83 reopens Friday afternoon, July 26, reports the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Highway 169/210 closed and detoured within the city of Aitkin on May 20. This allowed crews to reconstruct and widen the shoulders; add center left-turn lanes, walk, curb and gutter; and replace drainage structures beneath the road between the Ripple River bridge and County Road 12/83.

Here’s what to expect for the remainder of the project:

Hassman

Detour through Palisade mid-August to mid-September: Crews will close and reconstruct the Highway 169 and 210 intersection. Motorists will follow a detour that uses Highway 210, County Road 5 (Nature Avenue) and County Road 3 (480th Street).

Aitkin to Hassman

Detour through McGregor until late October: Work will continue on this segment for the duration of the project between County Road 12/83, east of Aitkin, and Highway 210 in Hassman. The road remains closed and detoured to through traffic via County Road 12 (400th Avenue) Aitkin, Highway 47, County Road 4 (Dam Lake Street), Highway 65 McGregor, then back to Highway 210. Detour maps are available on the project web page

Local access

Access is always open and maintained to those who live, work or visit within the closed work zone. Expect changes to access, gravel or grooved road surfaces, flaggers, periodic stops and alternate one-way traffic. Please slow down, follow construction signs through the work zone and stay out of barricaded areas.

Those who travel through the work area should plan ahead and be prepared for delays, especially at peak travel times. Cabin and vacation travelers who normally take Highway 169/210 may want to consider another route.

When complete this fall, travelers will benefit from a wider, smoother and stronger road surface; improved safety, access and traffic flow; and updated drainage.

For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit the project webpage: www.mndot.gov/d3/projects/aitkin-hassman/.

For current road conditions and detours on Minnesota highways, visit 511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

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