Highway 65 Updates

As you may have heard, Highway 65 is finally fully funded with construction anticipated beginning in 2025. 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!

Update: April 22, 2024

Hwy 65 was switched to a single lane of traffic, head-to-head in each direction on the northbound side of the highway between 181st Ave and Viking Blvd in East Bethel early on April 22. Crews closed the southbound roadway in the area to repair sunken pavement north of 181st Ave. During the closure, traffic will be unable to reach cross streets on the southbound side of the highway. Work will be completed in early May.

Drivers should also watch for daily lane closures next week:

147th Ave/Andover Blvd to Sims Rd: Signal loop replacement - expect delays between 7 am - 2 pm.

Intersections between 85th Ave (Blaine) to 181st Ave (East Bethel) along HWY 65: Concrete pedestrian ramp, curb and gutter repair and signal system work - expect delays 9 am and 7 pm. 

NOTE: If you regularly use Hwy 65, if possible you should use an alternate route such as I-35W or Hwy 47 to avoid congestion and delays.

 

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 217^th 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 237^th 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 217^th 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 85^th Ave and 93^rd 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