Minnesota Department of Transportation announces 200+ road construction projects for 2026
The Minnesota Department of Transportation will tackle over 200 road construction projects this year, with some already underway.
"Improving our highways now will have a long-term benefit for Minnesota's businesses, residents, motorists," Nancy Daubenberger, Minnesota Department of Transportation commissioner, said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Daubenberger said the total cost is around $1.5 billion, which she said is similar to previous years.
Major projects around the Twin Cities include:
- Resurfacing Highway 280 in St. Paul, Roseville and Lauderdale
- Reconstructing Highway 12 in Wayzata and Minnetonka
- Beginning a four-year project to build four interchanges along Highway 65 in Blaine
- Replacing the Interstate 35E bridge over Shepard Road in St. Paul
- Continuing reconstruction of Highway 97 in Forest Lake
- Ongoing construction of Highway 169/Highway 282 interchange in Jordan
Additionally, several years-long projects are expected to wrap up this year, including construction projects on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, Interstate 35W in Burnsville and Interstate 394/Interstate 94 in Minneapolis.
Highway 280 closure expected to have major impacts
In April, the Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to close Highway 280 in both directions from I-94 in St Paul to I-35W in Roseville. The northbound lanes will be closed first, on April 13. The southbound lanes will close later in the month.
The closure is expected to last until late August, reopening just in time for the Minnesota State Fair, though ramp and lane closures will continue through the fall.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says during the closure, workers will resurface old pavement and repair bridges and ramps. Data shows between 40,000 and 60,000 vehicles travel on Highway 280 each day.
Twin Cities resident Dan Gouge was visiting a bar and grill near the highway when he learned about the closure, quickly concerned about how it could impact small businesses.
"I just don't understand why they don't do something to help these small businesses that are on these corridors," Gouge said.
Anna Hultgren owns a wellness business, Carpe Diem Studio, on Como Avenue. At the front desk, a card warns clients of the coming changes to the highway. She is grateful for longtime customers but worries the closure could slow business.
"We'll send out emails and notifications and try to give them a heads up," Hultgren said. "I think it's going to be harder to get new people in the door just with that extra added obstacle."
"A full closure allows crews to complete this work more safely and in a single construction season," said Chris Bower, North Area engineer, in a news release. "We understand this is a significant impact to the community and appreciate the public's patience as we make long-term improvements to this important corridor."
You can see the full slate of projects on the MnDOT website. Officials ask drivers to obey posted speed limits in work zones, drive without distractions and use the 511 website or app to stay abreast of active construction projects.