Prep work for 2026 Highway 212 bridge project begins Sept. 2

WILLMAR, Minn. – Work to prepare for a 2026 project to replace two bridges crossing Buffalo Creek on Highway 212 near Plato begins Sept. 2, 2025, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Crews will construct crossover lanes this fall which will be used in 2026 to shift traffic during bridge replacement work. The crossover lanes prevent the need for a detour during construction.

How travel will be impacted in 2025

Highway 212 will be reduced to one lane in each direction from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3, 2025
The left lane in westbound travel will be closed during construction
The left lane in eastbound travel will be closed during construction
Dates are subject to change depending on weather and other unforeseeable circumstances

A map showing the project area is posted at the project website. Valley Paving, Inc., is the primary contractor for lane crossover construction, and cost of the crossovers is approximately $290,000.

Stay connected

Learn about the Highway 212 bridge replacement project at mndot.gov/d8/projects/hwy212plato.
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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

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