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The start date for the Highway 34 project, between County Road 29 east of Detroit Lakes to County Road 26/47 west of Osage, has tentatively changed to June 15. The date adjustment is due to a change in the contractor's schedule. Completion of the project is still set for mid-October.
Traffic impacts & reminders
Once construction begins, local traffic will encounter daily lane closures, potential short-term local detours, flaggers and pilot cars on Highway 34. Motorists should expect delays in the work zone.
Thru-traffic will be detoured to County Road 47, Highway 87 and County Road 29. If your destination does not fall within the project limits, you must use the detour or find an alternate route. From one end of the project to the other, the detour could add 20 extra miles to your drive; however, work zone delays on Highway 34 will also impact travel time. Please plan accordingly.
MnDOT will be completing a 21-mile resurfacing project on Highway 34, from County Road 29 (four corners) to County Road 26/47 (old Highway 225). In addition to the resurfacing, crews will replace culverts as well as the bridge over the Shell River, west of Osage.
 Construction staging
Toad Lake is located at approximately the center of the project. Crews will start by replacing entrance pipes and centerline culverts at the intersection of County Road 29 and Highway 34, working east toward Toad Lake. Once culverts in that section are complete, they’ll work on culverts east of Toad Lake, working east. Each culvert replacement is anticipated to take approximately one to three days—this will vary depending on location. Please obey traffic control and follow the instructions on the message boards.
Paving is expected to start in early August, with operations moving approximately 5 miles per week. The bridge/box culvert replacement at the Shell River is tentatively scheduled for August, and will take about five weeks to complete.
All schedules and work plans are subject to change at any time based on weather, contractor schedules or other unforeseen circumstances or issues.
Residential, business and local access
Throughout the duration of construction, driveway and entrance access will be maintained. For those who have a destination north or south of Highway 34, you may still use Highway 34 to get to your road. All local traffic should anticipate long delays, periodic stops and potential short-term local detours in the areas where crews are working. It is advised to use an alternate route or the official detour if you can. Portions of Highway 34 will be impassable at times during culvert work and the bridge replacement.
For more information about the project, visit the project website.
For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
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