MnDOT Preparing for Highway 169 Intersection Closure in Garrison | Lakeland News

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is currently preparing for the complete closure of Highway 169 in Garrison at the intersection where it meets Highway 18 and Monroe Street. This significant roadwork project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8th, which falls immediately after Labor Day. The primary objective of this closure is to facilitate the construction of connections required for a new roundabout located in Garrison, ensuring that the infrastructure can be properly integrated into the local traffic flow. During the closure period, which will span 17 consecutive days starting from September 8th, contractors will focus on completing essential tasks within the intersection. Their work includes installing the permanent road surface for the new roundabout, applying official road markings, and setting up necessary signage to guide drivers. Additionally, the team will be responsible for removing any temporary roundabout structures that were previously in place. While the intersection itself will be inaccessible to all traffic during these construction days, access into the town of Garrison will remain open to ensure residents can still reach their destinations. For commuters traveling through the area, detours have been arranged to manage the disruption caused by the closure. Specifically, Highway 169 will continue to serve through traffic moving from south of Garrison toward Bennettville via a designated detour route that is expected to remain in effect until late September. This temporary routing allows vehicles to bypass the closed construction zone while maintaining connectivity for those traveling between these two points. The project aims to improve safety and efficiency once the new roundabout is fully operational, marking a significant upgrade to the local transportation network. In summary, this coordinated effort by MnDOT represents a critical step in modernizing the road infrastructure in Garrison. By temporarily closing the specific intersection to dedicated construction crews, the department ensures that the new roundabout can be built correctly without compromising overall access to the community. Once the 17-day work period concludes and all installations are complete, the area will reopen with improved facilities designed to handle traffic more smoothly. This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety and capacity in the region as part of broader transportation improvements.