Highway 65 Updates
Highway 65 is finally fully funded with construction anticipated beginning in 2026. The MetroNorth Chamber is and will be an information resource going forward on area transportation projects to ensure area businesses are up to date. You can refer to this spot on our website throughout the entirety of the Hwy 65 project – we will be updating the resources and information as time goes on. See below for updates and important information regarding this project. You can also visit www.BlaineMN.gov/ThriveOn65 for more information.
Make sure to sign up for email project updates! Click HERE to go to project webpage where you can register your email to stay updated in real time!
What will the new Hwy 65 look like? Click on "Project Visualization" below to see!
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is partnering with the city of Blaine and Anoka County to construct four new interchanges along Hwy 65 between 97th Ave. and 121st Ave./Paul Pkwy. starting in late spring 2026. This four-year project will improve safety and traffic flow, reduce congestion, provide a smoother road surface, and create safer options and better connections for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Join us for a public meeting to learn about the construction schedule and what to expect in 2026, including frontage/backage road construction from 99th Ave. to 109th Ave. and early work on the new interchanges. The project team will be available to answer questions before and after each presentation.
Informational Meeting for Local Businesses
Wednesday, May 20 | 7:30-9 am | Cloverleaf Conference Room - Blaine City Hall (10801 Town Square Dr NE, Blaine)
Public Meetings
Wednesday, May 20 & Thursday, May 21 | 3-7 pm (presentations at 3:30 pm & 5:30 pm) | Cloverleaf Conference Room - Blaine City Hall (10801 Town Square Dr NE, Blaine)
Construction crews will begin widening along Hwy 65 this week (July 27-Aug 1) followed by building crossovers on the highway later this summer between 97th Ave. and 121st Ave./Paul Pkwy. in Blaine. Work will begin on the south end of the project and move north during the summer.
It is important to pay attention to signing and other traffic control devices since lane closures will be set up on either the inside or outside lanes depending on where work is being carried out. Lane closures will be set up during non-peak times, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Widening of the highway and construction of crossovers is needed to carry traffic during the following years’ construction to switch traffic from one side of the road to the other and keep traffic flowing during work on the new interchanges.
Installation of new temporary signal systems on the highway also will begin this month starting at 117th Ave./Cloud Dr. Once signal installation is complete on the north end of the project, work will shift to the south end and move north.
Utility relocation (which began last year) is continuing along the highway this summer and fall. Additionally construction crews will continue work on frontage and backage roads along the highway on the west side of the highway between 99th Ave. and 105th Ave. Installation of storm sewer pipes to handle drainage along the highway is also underway. There will be some lane closures on Hwy 65 and side streets will be closed and detoured while pipes are jacked beneath the road.
For information about upcoming closures and detours, visit the project website.
We appreciate your patience while we make these improvements. Plan ahead by checking 511, and give yourself additional time to reach your destination.
To learn more about this project, click HERE
MNDot recognizes that construction projects impact your business. We want the Hwy 65 in Blaine project area business community to stay informed before, during and after this project. Click here for a one-stop resource page throughout construction. Information will continue to be added, so please check back as the project draws closer to construction.
You have heard the news about Hwy 65 getting reconstructed, but you are probably wondering what the new Hwy 65 us projected to look like. See below for a birds eye views of what Hwy 65 is projected to look like upon the completion of this 4-year project.
The MetroNorth Chamber will continue working closely with MnDOT to help keep you informed. MnDOT will also be at our January 22nd Blaine Business Council to share updates and answer questions on what’s ahead.
Other Developments
If you have driven down 105th Avenue in front of the National Sports Center you have noticed a lot of changes over the last year. That is just the beginning. The construction started with an overhaul of many of the fields at the National Sports Center. New irrigation systems were installed for many of the grass fields and other fields were converted to artificial turf fields. The new turf fields allow for longer playing seasons and keep the NSC in the same class as other facilities around the country. The field improvements are very important to the NSC being able to compete for marquee tournaments and events. The National Sports Center is continuing to make additional improvements to their campus this winter including new sidewalks and drainage ponds.
New Entertainment District
The latest turf fields at the NSC are a direct result of an agreement between the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, the City, and a private development company to build an entertainment district. The district is designed to be a spot for Blaine residents to enjoy, but also to bring a boost to the local economy by keeping more of the 7 million visitors that come to Blaine each year spending their money in the City instead of going to other nearby communities.
Site work began in November and will continue over the winter. Construction of the first part of the district will begin in the spring. The most notable part of the early construction will be the 5,000 seat multi-use event stadium that will be home to a minor league baseball team and will also host many other events throughout the year. The first phase of the district will also include a food hall, field house and experiential golf driving range, public gathering spaces, and a hotel.
Adjacent Development Now Open
Just across the street from the new entertainment district site is a new commercial development that is now open to the community. On the corner of Radisson Road and 105th Avenue sits the new National Sports Village. Home to Pizza Pub, Prime, and Scooter’s Coffee this is a great new offering for Blaine residents.
This redevelopment, right in the center of the City, brings in additional restaurant and entertainment amenities that Blaine residents have been requesting from the City.
Follow the progress of the 105th Avenue entertainment district at BlaineMN.gov/105thAvenueRedevelopment.