Local News

Long-detoured stretch of Hwy 169 reopens to traffic

KAXE

Published October 10, 2023 at 6:32 PM CDT

Highway 169 between Hassman and the Mississippi River Bridge in Aitkin County now has a stronger concrete overlay material, wider asphalt shoulders, safety rumble strips, permanent striping and guardrail after reconstruction during the summer of 2023.

AITKIN COUNTY — A stretch of Highway 169 closed to traffic for three months during construction is now open as of last night.

For most of the summer, motorists encountered a detour through Palisade as stretch between Hassman and the Mississippi River Bridge underwent a full remodel.

The highway now has a stronger concrete overlay material, wider asphalt shoulders, safety rumble strips, permanent striping and guardrail.

The new culvert beneath Highway 169 near 435th Lane in Aitkin County improves drainage, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reports.

Drivers may continue to encounter periodic lane or shoulder closures with flaggers as crews wrap up work on the project.

The 169 project will continue next year with work taking place between the Ripple River in Aitkin to just north of Highway 210.

Up North Report

Stay up to date on what's happening up north with KAXE News, bringing you the top stories across Northern Minnesota. KAXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR member station.