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We're nearing the end of week two on the Highway 34 project, and crews are checking culverts off the list. The culvert replacements will continue through next week, as they make their way east toward Snellman and Osage.
Thru-traffic: If you don't have a destination on Highway 34, please take the detour route on County Road 47, Highway 87 and County Road 29. From one end of the project to the other, the detour could add 20 extra miles to your drive; however, long delays and closures within the work zone on Highway 34 will cause major impacts to travel time. Please plan accordingly.
 Current progress and schedule
As the culvert work continues, we've created a map (see below) that shows the culvert locations so you can follow along on the progress. There are 11 culvert replacements total, plus the large box culvert/bridge at the Shell River. Each culvert replacement is anticipated to take approximately one to three days—this varies depending on location.
Culverts 1-4 are now complete, and crews started work at culvert 5 this morning (Friday, July 21). They anticipate wrapping up at culvert 5 on Saturday, July 22, but it is possible the area may remain closed until Monday if something doesn't go as planned. Once they are done with culvert 5, they'll move to culvert 6 and continue east after that.
In addition to the culvert replacements, starting Wednesday, July 26, another crew will begin removing pavement and prepping the culvert sites near the Shell River. Local traffic will encounter flaggers and lane closures while that work is taking place.
 Local traffic impacts and changes
Please note: in the areas where crews are working, the culvert site is impassable. If you must travel on Highway 34 to get to your destination, be aware that your route and access will change daily based on where the crews are located.
Please obey the flaggers. The detour is the best route for those who do not have a destination on Highway 34—it will save you time instead of trying to find alternate ways around. Flaggers will direct you back to the detour if your destination doesn't fall within the work zone.
Schedule snapshot
- Next week: Continue culvert replacements between CR 29 and CR 39
- Starting week of July 24 (tentatively): Culvert replacements between CR 39 and Shell River
- Early August: Hard closure at Shell River for box culvert/bridge replacement (lasting 5 weeks)
- Early August: Paving begins, with daily lane closures and flaggers/pilot cars
All schedules and work plans are subject to change at any time based on weather, contractor schedules or other unforeseen circumstances or issues. The overall project is expected to be completed by mid-October.
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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