HASSMAN—Crews have made progress since the reconstruction project on Highway 169 began less than a month ago in Hassman.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation stated construction is in full force as crews reconstruct Highway 169 between Highway 210 and County Road 3, north of the Mississippi River bridge.
Crews have been busy replacing drainage pipes and culverts, removing the old pavement, and grading and widening the road surface, according to the release.
![Submitted. Crews place black fabric beneath a subcut in a widening area on the roadwat. The fabric separates clay and organic materials in the subgrade from the granular material being placed beneath the shoulder widening.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94b273a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/641x778+0+0/resize/880x1068!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2d%2Fe5%2F6ade55fa40528699304ee34352d9%2Fshoulder-widening.jpg)
The two-year, $36.2 million project will reconstruct the road surface with a stronger, concrete overlay material, widen the shoulders, lengthen the turn lanes and improve road access.
The project is slated to also repair or replace drainage infrastructure.
This year’s work is focused north of Hassman.
![Submitted. Crews push topsoil in the ditch outside of a completed widening area south of 435th Ln.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7e3788b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/560x375+0+0/resize/880x589!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa3%2Fe7%2F14ed70d24fcb93db5e35cf37dad4%2Ftopsoil-ditch.jpg)
In 2024, work and detours are expected on Highways 169 and 210 between the Ripple River in Aitkin and Highway 210 in Hassman.
Highway 169 remains closed and detoured to through-traffic from Highway 210 to County Road 3.
Access will continue to be open and maintained for those who live, work or visit areas within the closed work zone, but expect changes, gravel or grooved road surfaces, flaggers with periodic stops and alternate one-way traffic.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, follow construction signs and stay out of barricaded areas.