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Construction started this week on Highway 59 in Pelican Rapids, and even though it's been rainy, windy and cold, crews hit the ground running.
This week's work and progress
The first phase of construction, Stage 1A, is on Highway 59 between the Pelican River bridge and 4th Avenue SE. This week's focus has been pavement removals. As they're removing the pavement and hauling it away, please watch for trucks hauling in and out of the work zone.
Bridge crews have also removed the approach panels at the Pelican River bridge, and will be making repairs to the bridge deck and excavating down next to it in the coming days to prepare for the installation of the new storm sewer system.
Just south of the bridge, city utility replacements have started too. As a reminder, there are more than 20 blocks of city utility replacements included in this project!!
Although crews may not work every Saturday, you can expect to see them working tomorrow, April 20.
 Screenshot of the live camera, available for public viewing from the City of Pelican Rapids
Safety reminders
We have detour routes set up for every type of road user. Trucks and thru-traffic should follow the signed routes out of town, city residents and visitors can follow the in-town detour route, and if you are walking, biking or rolling through town, please follow the signed pedestrian routes. We know it may be inconvenient at times, and you may need to walk a block or two out of the way to get around, but your cooperation is important for your safety.
Weekly in-person updates
Join us at the Pelican Rapids Public Library each Wednesday, starting April 24, noon to 1 p.m., for weekly* in-person construction updates. Business liaison Brent Frazier, and representatives from MnDOT and Landwehr will be there to share updates and answer questions!
*Meetings are subject to change based on interest and attendance.
Thank you for your patience
Thank you for your patience as we work through the challenges that occur during the start of any construction project. We have been working closely with the contractor to adjust signage and modify plans to ensure improved safety, accessibility and traffic flow.
One major change next week will be to the in-town detour route. We recognize that the condition of the roadway has been poor and difficult to maintain with the rain and increased traffic volumes. To better accommodate in-town traffic, Great Northern Road will be paved on Tuesday, April 23, weather permitting. Once paving is complete, traffic in both directions will use Great Northern Road as part of that in-town detour.
If you don't have a destination in town, please continue to follow the thru-traffic/truck detours to/from Highway 59 and Highway 108 west or east. Routes will vary depending on direction of travel and vehicle/load weight.
Signing up for this project email list is just one way to stay informed during construction. There are several different ways you can find information or get your questions answered:
- For construction questions, call the project Helpline: 218-517-9848 or send an email to Th59-108@landwehrconstruction.com. Brent Frazier is serving as the community liaison for the project.
- Join us at the Public Library each Wednesday, starting April 24, noon to 1 p.m., for weekly in-person construction updates.
- Check the project website for project information, construction updates and MnDOT contacts -- we're here to help!
- Join the MnDOT District 4 | West Central Minnesota Facebook group.
- We'll be working closely with the Pelican Rapids Press to get updates into your local newspaper, and if you have Facebook, follow the Pelican Rapids City Page, Pelican Rapids Chamber, and Pelican Rapids: Find Your Path for updates, too!
- The city has set up cameras in downtown Pelican Rapids, so you can check in on the construction progress live! Go to the Pelican Rapids city website for links to the cameras.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent and subject to change. MnDOT urges motorists to always be attentive, drive with caution, slow down in work zones where workers are present, and never enter an area that's blocked by barriers or cones.
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