Road work officially started today for Year 2 of the complete streets reconstruction project in Pelican Rapids.
As the traffic control is set up, Highway 59 will reduce to one lane in both directions between Fifth Avenue NE and Eighth Avenue NW. There is an automated traffic signal that will direct traffic through the work zone.
Your patience is important. Motorists should expect to stop at the automated signal, and wait until the light turns green before proceeding. Traffic will flow one direction at a time, so if entering in the middle of the work zone, please follow the correct direction of traffic. Even during off-hours, when crews aren't present and traffic volumes are low, please obey the signal lights.
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Upcoming work
The road construction process is similar to last year. They'll start with removals in the work area, then begin on underground utility replacements. Because Stage 2B is being done half at a time, the work on the east side is the first step as the bulk of the underground infrastructure is located on this side of the roadway. This will take the most time to replace. Then, when they switch to the west side, it should go a little faster as they tie into the new structures.
Bridge crews are also on-site downtown working underneath the bridge over the Pelican River, and there are parking and sidewalk restrictions on the east side of the bridge for their work. They are doing what is referred to as "tuckpointing," to remove and repair between the bricks/rocks of the bridge. Last year's water levels were too high to complete this, so that is why they are back now.
You may have also noticed crews working off the roadway near the County Road 9 intersection! You can start to see where the new alignment of County Road 9 will be constructed. More will come in this area later on in the summer for Stage 2C.
In about two weeks, weather permitting, crews will resume work on Highway 108 east in Stages 2A and 2B, from 2 ½ Street to Sixth Street. The road will close in this section, with an in-town detour on local roads to navigate around construction.
Thank you for your patience as everyone gets used to the new traffic patterns!
Important reminders
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Businesses remain open during road construction: Access will be maintained to both businesses and residences, but entrances may change or shift as utility replacements and concrete work are underway. How you enter or exit may vary depending on where crews are working, and you may need to park and walk up to some locations. Please check in with your destination to determine the best way to get to them.
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Thru-traffic and trucks: For those who don’t have a destination in Pelican Rapids, the signed thru-traffic/truck routes outside of town will still be an option. Expect delays in Pelican Rapids during peak travel times.
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:
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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