D3 - Hwy 210 (Washington St.) in Brainerd: 2026-2027 construction
 Special back-to-school edition
 Safer student crossings in place at mini-roundabouts along the detour
With the new 2026–2027 school year starting Tuesday, Sept. 8, MnDOT has modified the pedestrian crossings at the intersections of Oak St./13th St. SE and Oak St./Eighth St. These temporary mini‑roundabouts are part of the Hwy 210 detour route and serve a busy neighborhood with schools, homes and everyday foot and wheel traffic.
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The south and west crosswalks are open, while the north and east crosswalks are closed until the detour lifts this fall.
Pedestrians should only cross at the signed crosswalks and never cross diagonally over the roundabout.
Motorists should slow down, yield and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
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MnDOT has received some calls regarding roundabout driving awareness. Reminders: Always slow down and look all ways. Enter only if no pedestrians are in the crosswalk and no other vehicles are in the roundabout. Yield in and keep moving through the intersection. Never block or stop in the roundabout. Watch these tips on driving a mini-roundabout - YouTube (City of Rochester)
Getting around east Brainerd
Washington St.
Hwy 210 remains one lane in each direction between Pine Shores Rd. and S Sixth St.(Business Hwy 371). Hwy 210 is closed between C St./Hwy 25 and N 10th St.
Detour routes
- Eastbound uses S Sixth St., Oak St. and Hwy 25
- Westbound uses Hwy 25, Oak St. and S Eighth St.
Brainerd is open—Local access is available for residents, businesses and visitors along the work zone. Expect gravel or grooved pavement and sidewalk or side‑entrance detours.
- Residents and businesses: Project info line: 320-204-1763 (contractor)
Regional travelers may want to use the signed alternate routes to avoid delays.
Kingwood St.
The contractor closed Hwy 210 access to Kingwood St. on Aug. 31 and aims to complete 2026 construction through the intersection. Use N 10th St. or the traffic signal at Eighth St. S to reach Kingwood St. and the Franklin Arts Center.
10th Ave. NE and Nelson Dr.
The temporary signal at Hwy 25 and 10th Ave. NE will remain until crews finish paving Nelson Dr. The 10th Ave. NE closure and the opening of the new Nelson Dr. connection will be completed the week of Sept. 7.
Keeping kids safe along the work zone
A new school year is underway in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Kids are excited, families are settling into familiar routines, and bright yellow school buses are back on the roads. With more students moving through the neighborhood and along the detour route, safety remains a shared responsibility — and a few simple habits make a big difference.
Adobe photo stock image of school buses.
For students and families
Families can help prevent tragedies by reinforcing a few simple habits:
- Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.
- Wait on the sidewalk or curb, away from traffic.
- Board in a single‑file line when signaled.
- Sit quickly, stay seated, share space, and keep voices low.
- Cross only when the driver signals and be sure to watch for cars.
For drivers
- Stop at least 20 feet from school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
- This requirement applies to both directions on undivided roads.
- Violations can lead to a $500 fine or more severe criminal charges if a child is endangered.
- Obey school‑zone speed limits, stay alert and put down distractions.
MnDOT encourages travelers on the detour route to plan ahead during school start and end times. Add extra time to your schedule and expect delays. Alternate routes may help reduce wait times.
Source: Minnesota State Patrol - Department of Public Safety
Crews dig in deep
Work continues along the railyard segment of Hwy 210 from C St./Hwy 25 to west of Kingwood St. as crews rebuild lanes and entrances, replace the 13th Ave. SE/Gillis Ave. signal and upgrade city watermain and storm sewer systems. Wider sidewalks and approaches are also being reconstructed.
Multiple crews are active in the work zone, removing old materials, replacing city utilities and updating pedestrian facilities. They remain on track to open all new lanes and sidewalks by late October.
MnDOT reminds drivers to stay out of barricaded areas and follow posted signs to keep everyone safe around the closed work areas.
 Hwy 210 railyard segment east of Gillis Ave./13th Ave. SE
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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