COMPLETE
About this project
MnDOT reconstructed the road and widened shoulders from the Ripple River in Aitkin to the Mississippi River north of Hassman, Aitkin County.
Summary of work
- Reconstruct 11 miles of road surface with a stronger, concrete overlay material
- Widen the shoulders (eight-feet paved and two-feet gravel), lengthen turn lanes and improve road access
- Add center turn lane through the city of Aitkin to Co. Rd. 12/83 (400th Ave.)
- Repair or replace drainage infrastructure
- Replace bridge
The Hwy 169 project will use an unbonded concrete overlay to repair and strengthen the road surface. The process consists of three layers.
Existing concrete layer
First, cracks and other imperfections are patched before the interlayer is placed over the existing surface
Interlayer
The interlayer serves as a bond breaker to prevent cracks on the existing concrete layer from transferring to the new concrete layer. This is called “reflective cracking”. Specially-designed fabric or up to an inch of asphalt may be used for this layer
New concrete layer
Seven to ten inches of new concrete is poured over the interlayer
Informational graphic of an unbonded concrete overlay. Select image to enlarge