HASSMAN — Beginning Wednesday, July 5, reconstruction of a portion of Highway 169 means motorists must take a 20-mile detour.
The road work north of Hassman — near the intersection with Highway 210 north to Aitkin County Road 3 — is expected to last through Nov. 1.
Access will be open and maintained for those who live, work or visit areas within the closed work zone, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Those who drive the route should expect changes, gravel or grooved road surfaces, flaggers with periodic stops and alternate one-way traffic.
The work is part of a larger two-year $36.2 million project to reconstruct 11 miles of road surface with a stronger, concrete overlay material. Shoulders will be widened and turn lanes extended. Drainage infrastruture will also be repaired or replaced.
In 2024, work and detours will occur on Highway 169 between the Ripple River in Aitkin and Highway 210 in Hassman.
