Highway 65 + 169 Detour Starts Near Nashwauk

The summer-long project to construct a new intersection at Highway 169 and Highway 65 near Nashwauk has reached a new stage; the detour for the closed intersection is now in place for drivers.  Additional lane closures are also present inside the work zone.

The detour for the temporarily-closed intersection runs on County Road 86 to the east entrance of Nashwauk. Pavement removals and construction of new turn lanes in the Highway 169 median have closed the crossover from Highway 65 to northbound Highway 169.  Work crews are performing the work in order to make improvements for increased safety in the area.  According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's project page, the finished work will "[e]liminate the skewed view at the Hwy 169/Hwy 65 intersection. A left turn lane will be added on Hwy 169 to square up traffic crossing the highway into Nashwauk".

For more information about rest stops, projects, and more - click here to get information from their website.

For the time being - as the COVID-19 Pandemic response is in place, MNDOT is working hard to adhere to Governor Tim Walz's Stay at Home executive order. Road work has been identified as a Critical Service by the state and will continue on.

Here are some important reminders from MNDOT about safety in regards to this specific project as well as any of the projects you might encounter this summer:

• Slow down when approaching a work zone
• Use caution when navigating through the marked-off work area
• Stay alert - work zones constantly change
• Watch for workers and slow moving equipment
• Obey the posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
• Minimize distractions behind the wheel
• Be patient
• Expect delays - especially during peak travel times

For more information about this specific project or any of the scheduled road work across the state, click here to visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation's online project page.