BRAINERD — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host an open house Tuesday, March 31, to kick off the 2026 construction season in Brainerd.
The state agency plans to reconstruct or resurface Highway 210 from Baxter Drive to Pine Shores Road in 2026 and 2027. Work will also include: improved curbs, gutters, medians and storm sewers; updated signal systems; removed signals at Mill Avenue and Fourth Avenue; and a realignment of the roadway with two new roundabouts at Highway 210 and Mill Avenue.
City utilities under the road will also be replaced while MnDOT's roadwork is underway. Sidewalks and approaches are expected to also receive an upgrade, including a new connection to the Cuyuna Lakes Trail and an update to the Mississippi River bridge.
In 2026, MnDOT crews will work on the east, mall and railyard areas, with detours planned for each stage of construction.
For the 2027 construction season, MnDOT's contractors will work on the downtown, bridge and west segments.
The open house will be in the lower level of the Crow Wing County Land Services Building, 322 Laurel St., Brainerd.
Interested residents, business owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to drop in anytime for one of two sessions, noon-2 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Tuesday.
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