Detour for Highway 22 Mankato to St. Peter project resumes April 15
MANKATO, Minn. – The detour for Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter is expected to resume Wednesday, April 15, as crews begin the second and final year of construction on the 2025-26 project, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Through traffic will be detoured to Highways 14 and 169 during construction (see attached map). The new roundabout at Highway 22 and Hill Street/Le Sueur County Road 21 will remain open to local traffic. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained during construction. Detour information available at www.dot.mn.gov/d7/projects/hwy22mankato-stpeter/index.html.
Work in 2025 focused on the northern and southern ends of Highway 22. This year’s work includes reconstructing the middle section of the highway and work on the Rabbit Road bridge north of Kasota (expected to begin later this spring).
Construction is expected to continue until fall 2026. Schedules are subject to change depending upon weather and other unforeseeable circumstances. MnDOT will also share periodic drone video updates on the project website.
Project overview
The 2025-26 project includes reconstructing Highway 22 from south of Blue Earth County Road 57 in Mankato to just south of the Minnesota River Bridge in St. Peter and adding new turn and passing lanes. The project also includes improving lighting at intersections, repairing and replacing bridges, installing snow fence, and preparing for future construction of a walking and biking trail to connect Mankato to St. Peter. A roundabout at Hill Street (Le Sueur County Road 21) near Kasota was completed in 2025.
Construction open house
The public is invited to attend a construction open house on Tuesday, April 7, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., at MnDOT, 2151 Bassett Drive, Mankato. There will be no formal presentation, and people are welcome to stop anytime during the open house. Staff from MnDOT and the contractor will be available to answer questions about the project, construction timelines, and detour routes.
Project benefits, cost
Benefits of the project include improved pavement, increased safety and traffic flow, and accommodations for a future multi-use trail. Mathiowetz Construction Company was awarded the project with a bid of $36,896,294.56.
Stay connected
- Visit the Highway 22 Mankato to St. Peter project website for more information, detour maps, video of the project, and to sign up for email updates.
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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