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Contact: Colin Cox, Transportation, 612-596-7426
Three month full closure expected to start in May
Two critical construction activities of the two-year reconstruction of County Road 101 (Bushaway Road) – work on Breezy Point curve and in the railroad corridor – have reached significant points toward substantial roadway completion this fall.
The first critical activity is the construction at Breezy Point curve in Woodland. Utility crews will be on site to relocate needed services into a newly constructed joint utility trench. This was originally scheduled to begin this week, but was delayed due to rain.
As a result, a full three-month closure of County Road 101 between Minnetonka Boulevard and Eastman Lane/McGinty Road may begin as early as next week. Local access is being maintained as long as possible. The exact date of the full closure will be determined the week of May 2 as work progresses and a date certain can be provided.
A full closure of County Road 101 between Minnetonka Boulevard and Eastman/McGinty not only allows for reconstruction of Breezy Point curve, but also the upcoming installation of retaining walls further north. A large crane will situated in the roadway to place retaining walls north of the causeway between Wayzata Bay and Grays Bay.
During the full closure, residents and visitors will be able to travel between Wayzata and Minnetonka – to access local merchants, dining options and professional services – using Eastman Lane and McGinty Road. This route is already accessible and signs are up to guide local travelers with this alternate access. Large trucks and those travelling outside Wayzata, Woodland and Minnetonka should continue to use the detour of Minnetonka Boulevard, Interstate 494 and US Highway 12.
The second critical construction activity is the work in the railroad corridor in Wayzata. BNSF railroad crews have begun creating a shoofly, or temporary track, to allow for construction of a bridge over the railway. This section of County Road 101 has been closed since the existing bridge was removed in fall 2014.
Motorists and residents interested in getting the latest information about the timing of the closure can sign up for project updates via email and with text alerts at www.hennepin.us/countyroad101.
Project background
Hennepin County is reconstructing County Road 101 in Minnetonka, Woodland and Wayzata. The work includes replacing deteriorating pavement, replacing a temporary bridge over the BNSF railroad, adding retaining walls, replacing utilities, upgrading intersections and adding a multi-use trail.
Last year crews worked on utilities under the roadway, new “hanging” sidewalk through the causeway, excavation in the railroad corridor, retaining walls and an initial layer of pavement.
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Look for more news on
the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.
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