169 Redefine

Current Work Zone

Updated August 10, 2023

Hwy 169 is reduced to one-lane in each direction. Note: road and bridge surfaces are safe for motorists, but not 100% complete. Motorists may note uneven or bumpy road areas. The final asphalt layer will come in October.

Hwy 169 between Main St. and 197th Ave.

  • Traffic will shift onto the new northbound lanes to allow crews to finish constructing the southbound lanes.
  • Hwy 169 traffic will use the new bridge over Jackson/193rd Ave (access ramps will remain closed).
  • Southbound Hwy 169 access to/from Freeport St. will close.
  • Jackson Ave. and 193rd Ave. intersection will remain closed.
  • School St. and Elk Hills Dr. intersection will remain closed.

Local Access Changes

Motorists will be able to travel on various local access points.

  • Hwy 169 access will be open at Hwy 10, Main St. and the 197th Ave. interchange.
  • Temporary access along the corridor has been added to:
    • SB Hwy 169 from Holt St.
    • NB Hwy 169 to/from Zane Ave.
    • NB Hwy 169 to Fifth St.
    • NB Hwy 169 to/from Evans St.
  • Added to assist with side street traffic flow:
    • Signal at Gates Ave. and Main St.
    • Signal at 179th Ave. and Twin Lakes Rd. NW
    • Compact roundabout on Evans St.

Pedestrians will have Hwy 169 crossings available at the signalized intersection at Main St., the pedestrian bridge north of School St./Elk Hills Dr. and at the 197th Ave. bridge.

Click here to view the 2023 169 Redefine Open House Fact Sheet

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Project Hotline for Questions and Comments:

Email: info@Hwy169Redefine.com
Phone: 612.351.0303

MnDOT Project Website

August Updated Map

This visualization clip is a work in progress and does not represent all final design details but a three-dimensional drive through when complete in 2024.

Video courtesy: MnDOT

Commonly Asked Questions

We know you have questions about this major project, and we've got answers!

169 Redefine Top 5 FAQs

Project Overview Hwy169Redefine_Logo

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will convert Highway 169 to a freeway, removing all five stop lights from the Mississippi River north through Elk River.

The Highway 169 corridor is an important north-south arterial route in central Minnesota. This route connects Minnesota’s central lakes region and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area with the growing trade centers of Elk River, Zimmerman, and Princeton. The highway plays an important role serving commuters and recreational users, and connecting economic centers in the state.

The signalized intersections along this stretch of Highway 169 are over capacity, resulting in significant delays and safety issues on Highway 169 and all adjacent streets. This project was selected through the State of Minnesota's Corridors of Commerce grant program.

Sign up for Notify Me, the city’s online notification tool, to receive updates on the 169 Redefine project sent straight to your email or text messages, whenever new information becomes available.

Schedule and Timeline

2022 Completed Graphic 

Final Plan

Final Plan Layout - May 2021

Project Inquiries

For questions about 169 Redefine, contact MnDOT Project Manager Darren Nelson via email, or phone at 218.828.5760. For additional information, please visit MnDOT’s project webpage.

Visual Resources

Elk River Public Works Director/Chief Engineer, Justin Femrite walks residents through the anticipated changes planned for each impacted interchange as part of MnDOT’s 169 Redefine project in the following short videos:

Hwy 169 & Hwy 10

Hwy 169 & Main Street

Hwy 169 & School Street

Hwy 169 & 193rd Avenue

Final Layout 169 Redefine

Preliminary Layout Resources

Detailed Preliminary Layout - April 2020

MnDOT Presentation - May 2020 

Traffic Noise Analysis

Environmental Review

Other Regional Projects and Estimated Completion Schedules

Community Impact

Residents can expect changes to their daily routes across town during construction. This will change with the project as phases are completed. 

Those who travel through Elk River can expect reduced speeds and lane shifts throughout the project. The full impacts on travel time through Elk River and access to local businesses during the course of construction will be determined as we advance through preliminary and final design. 

Traffic patterns on the local street networks will change, thus impacting how you access businesses along the Highway 169 corridor. Access modifications and accommodations will be made to assure the businesses can remain open during the project.

Expect more information on 169 Redefine business impacts and plans to address those items as part of the Together Elk River campaign. Until then, check out: How to Thrive During Road Construction - Guide for Businesses.