Highway 65 Updates

Culvert replacement beneath Hwy 65 just south of Viking Blvd. in East Bethel, originally planned to begin July 8, has been rescheduled to begin early July 9.

Beginning around 1 a.m. Tue, July 9, Hwy 65 will be closed and detoured between 187th Ln. Northeast and Viking Blvd. in East Bethel. Weather permitting, the new culvert will be installed, and the road reopened by Wed, July 31.

Hwy 65 construction alert! MNDoT has just put out the following update:

“After several weather-related delays, we will finally begin work on Mon, June 17 to replace the Coon Creek bridges between 143rd Ave. and 147th Ave./Andover Blvd. in Ham Lake. The following week, Hwy 65 will fully close in both directions to replace the culvert beneath the highway just south of Viking Blvd. in East Bethel.

Beginning at 1 a.m. Mon, June 17, Hwy 65 will be reduced to one lane in both directions with head-to-head traffic between Bunker Lake Blvd. and 147th Ave./Andover Blvd. to begin the bridge replacement. Traffic will remain a single lane each direction until work is complete on both sides of the road. Work is expected to be completed and the road fully opened by 10 p.m. Sun, July 28.”

For more information, visit their project page.

Update: April 15, 2024

If you travel Highway 65, be aware that there are current and upcoming traffic impacts due to construction in April, including various lane closures throughout the month. MNDoT will repair, resurface, and replace bridges on more than 19 miles of Hwy 65 from Co. Rd 10 in Spring Lake Park to 237th Ave. in East Bethel. The work will include resurfacing nearly 16.5 miles of highway. To read more about the project, specific closures and what else it entails, click HERE.

Update: February 19, 2024

Preliminary work is underway to build nine temporary crossovers to carry traffic across the median next year.

Minnesota Department of Transportation will resurface nearly 16 miles of Hwy 65 between CSAH 10 in Spring Lake Park and 217th Avenue in East Bethel during spring to fall 2024. The project scope will include replacement of bridges over Coon Creek in Ham Lake, full-depth pavement reconstruction to correct areas of settlement, installation of cable median guardrail from Bunker Lake Boulevard to 237th Avenue, drainage improvements, and curb ramp and sidewalk improvements at several intersections.

Summary of work:

• Resurface Hwy 65 from CSAH 10 in Spring Lake Park to 217th in East Bethel
• Full-depth roadway reconstruction in some areas to correct settlement issues
• Replacement of Hwy 65 bridges over Coon Creek with box culverts
• Traffic signal replacements at 85th Ave and 93rd Ave
• Replacement of 72” culvert, north of Constance Blvd
• Curb ramp and sidewalk improvements at several intersections for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards

Benefits:

• The project will restore aging pavement, extend the highway’s lifespan, and provide a smoother ride.
• Intersection improvements including curb ramps and accessible pedestrian signal push buttons will make intersections accessible for all users.
• Full-depth bituminous reconstruction in select areas will correct settlement issues that have resulted from the roadway’s construction on sandy soils.

Construction schedule:

April through November 2024

Traffic impacts:

Motorists will encounter temporary lane closures, access closures, and head-to-head traffic conditions along Hwy 65 during construction. Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be shared as staging plans and other details are developed.

Cost:

$39.9 million (estimated)

Contact:

R. Kent Barnard

Communications and Media Coordinator/Business Liaison

MnDOT Metro District Communications and Engagement

651-253-2803 Office/Mobile

kent.barnard@state.mn.us