Highway 27 detour begins June 1 for roundabout construction north of Onamia

Highway 169 remains open to all traffic

BAXTER, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin a detour of Highway 27 on Monday, June 1, as crews advance work to build a new roundabout at the north junction of Highway 27 and Highway 169 north of Onamia, Mille Lacs County. MnDOT will close access to and from Highway 27 at the intersection to safely continue construction.

Highway 169 will remain open throughout the project for all through traffic. However, motorists should expect lane shifts, narrowed lanes with no shoulders and the potential for slow traffic during busy periods, especially weekends.

Beginning June 1, travelers who use Highway 27 will follow a signed detour along Mille Lacs County Road 23 (Stevens Road) to reach destinations along Highway 27. Local access will remain open, but entrances may change as work progresses. Motorists, residents and visitors should follow posted signs and be prepared for shifting traffic patterns.

The roundabout project, which began with preparatory work on May 18, is designed to improve safety and reduce severe crashes by lowering vehicle speeds and reducing high-risk turning movements at the intersection. Improvements include a new four-legged roundabout, reconstructed local entrances and new pedestrian crosswalks.

MnDOT reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and plan for extra travel time when passing through the work zone.

When completed in late August, the $4.5 million project will enhance safety, reduce speeds through the area, maintain steady traffic flow and better accommodate travel needs at the intersection.

Visit the project webpage for current impacts, more details, project maps and contacts: www.mndot.gov/d3/projects/onamia/.

Get real-time traffic and road conditions on Minnesota highways at 511mn.org.

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