D3 - Hwy 210 (Washington St.) in Brainerd: 2026-2027 construction
 New roundabouts open
MnDOT will open the new twin Hwy 210 (Washington St.) roundabouts at Crow Wing Co. Rd.3 (Mill Ave.) and C St./Hwy 25 to one‑lane traffic Thursday morning, Aug. 20. The opening marks an important step toward improving safety and travel through east Brainerd.
The detour will shift after 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Drivers should plan for new traffic patterns and follow posted signs while moving through the work zone this fall.
 Crews pave the final layer of asphalt around the truck apron in the center of the roundabout at Hwy 210 and Co. Rd. 3 (Mill Ave.)
What’s happening through fall
- Hwy 210 remains one lane each way between Pine Shores Rd. and S Sixth St. (Business Hwy 371) in east Brainerd.
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Hwy 210 remains closed and detoured between C St./Hwy 25 and Kingwood St. to reconstruct the railroad segment.
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Eastbound detour: S Sixth St., Oak St. and Hwy 25
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Westbound detour: Hwy 25, Oak St. and S Eighth St.
- Temporary mini‑roundabouts remain in place at:
- Oak St. and 13th St. SE
- Oak St. and S Eighth St.
- Use a regional through route to avoid delays and construction.
- Mill Ave./Co. Rd. 3 will open and the truck detour lifted.
- Know before you go, check: 511mn.org
MnDOT will monitor traffic flow and adjust as needed.
 Detour map beginning Thu, Aug. 20
We're working to keep Brainerd moving and open
Local businesses, visitors and residents:
- Follow posted signs; expect gravel, grooved surfaces and sidewalk detours.
- Use C St. and B St. to reach areas north of Hwy 210 between Gillis Ave. and Fifth St.
- Use Oak St. to reach areas south of Hwy 210 at 13th St. SE. (NP Center)
- 10th Ave. NE closed between Hwy 210 and Hwy 25 to reconstruct connections.
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Use the new Nelson Dr. connection (formerly 8th Ave. NE) on Hwy 210 between Hwy 25 and Mill Ave. to access the funeral home, nearby businesses and education center.
- Local resident and business info line: 320‑204‑1763 (contractor)
- Brainerd Lakes Area events and local business access tips: Drive210.com
 Layout is just a visual representation.
Railroad segment
Construction begins in full force as crews rebuild lanes and entrances, replace the 13th Avenue SE/Gillis Avenue signal, update city watermain and storm sewer systems, and rebuild sidewalks and approaches. Drivers are reminded to slow down in work zones and watch for workers, equipment and changing road conditions.
All lanes will reopen for the 2026–2027 winter season, with work resuming in spring 2027 between Baxter Dr. and Kingwood St.
 Crews paved the final lift of asphalt at the three legged roundabout at Hwy 210 and Crow Wing Co. Rd. 4 (Mill Ave.) on Friday, Aug. 14. Road markings to be installed Aug. 17-19.
Navigating roundabouts safely through the work zone
The new Hwy 210 roundabouts will continue to function as single-lane roundabouts until all four lanes open this fall.
 MnDOT asks motorists to focus on these safety tips:
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Treat it as one lane: Pay attention to temporary orange barrels and pavement markings that block off the extra lanes. Merge into a single line before entering.
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Yield right-of-way: Slow down or stop at the entry line. Yield to all vehicles already circulating inside the circle and any pedestrian in the crosswalk.
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Do not pass trucks: Large semi-trucks and trailers will need the entire width of the single lane and may use the concrete truck apron on the center island. Give them plenty of room and never pass them.
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Note: Large vehicles and trailers will travel over the raised center circle of a mini roundabout to safely turn.
To learn more about Minnesota roundabouts, visit: mndot.gov/roundabouts/
Building a Better Brainerd project
When the project is complete in 2027, bringing safer travel, smoother traffic flow and dependable access — creating a better and more beautiful Brainerd.
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