Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 169—Princeton

Mille Lacs and Sherburne counties

Today on Hwy 169: check 511mn.org

Current impacts

All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.

Current Hwy 169 Princeton project
May 12 to late summer: Hwy 169 work zone in Princeton. Select PNG map image to enlarge

Hwy 169

Travelers will encounter lane shifts, reduced speeds, lane closures, no shoulders and delays at busy times between 313th Ave. and Baxter Rd. as follows:

Lane closures

  • Hwy 169 reduced to one lane each way, 24-7, includes weekends/holidays
    • Hwy 169 head-to-head on the northbound side as crews update and repair southbound bridges
    • Changes to access, follow signs

Ramp closures

Hwy 169 at Hwy 95
  • Southbound Hwy 169 access to Hwy 95: Closed
    • Detour: N Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29)
Hwy 169 at N Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29)
  • N Rum River Dr access to southbound 169: Closed
    • Detour: S Rum River Dr (Co. Rd. 29)

Be alert in the work zone

  • Expect changes, back-ups or sudden stops, especially at busier commuter times (weekends, school, work or holidays)
  • Do the Zipper Merge: Use both lanes until merge point and take turns
  • Obey posted speeds: Fines for speeding in a work zone is $300
  • Use 511mn.org: Know before you go. Check current impacts and travel speeds

May 12 - late summer

Due to southbound bridge closures, to/from access will change at the following interchanges in Princeton:

 

About this project

MnDOT will update and improve eight Hwy 169 bridges (four in each direction) through Princeton in 2025.

Work map Hwy 169 Princeton project
Hwy 169 work zone in Princeton. Select map to enlarge

Summary of work

  • Resurface bridge decks (replace concrete wearing coarse) over:
    • Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29)
    • West Branch Rum River
    • Co. Rd. 31 (1st St.)
    • S Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29)
  • Replace or repair approach panels, concrete joints, catch basins and guardrail, along with any other needed repairs

Hwy 169 work zone between Baxter Rd. and 313th Ave. in Princeton

2025
Work
Traffic impacts
April 21- May 12 Prepare work zone: construct temporary crossovers in the median, widen lanes for traffic and set up traffic control devices
  • Reduced to one lane each way, 24-7; expect reduced speeds
May 12 to mid-summer Update southbound Hwy 169 bridges over: N Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29); West Branch Rum River Co. Rd. 31 (1st St.); S Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29)
  • One lane each way, 24-7, on northbound side of road between 313th Ave. and Baxter Dr.
  • Reduced speeds, lane shifts, delays at busy times; seek alternate routes to avoid delay
  • Changes to access, follow signs
Mid-summer to fall Update northbound Hwy 169 bridges over: S Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29); Co. Rd. 31 (1st St.); West Branch Rum River; N Rum River Dr. (Co. Rd. 29)

 
  • One lane each way, 24-7, on southbound side of road between 313th Ave. and Baxter Dr.
  • Reduced speeds, lane shifts, delays at busy times; seek alternate routes to avoid delay
  • Changes to access, follow signs
Late fall Wrap up work: remove temporary crossovers on both ends of project and other traffic control devices and establish turf
  • Periodic lane or shoulder closures with reduced speeds

Above table information is tentative and subject to change.

Rob Abfalter
Construction Project Manager
robert.abfalter@state.mn.us

Jenny Seelen
Communications Project Manager
jenny.seelen@state.mn.us
218-820-6820

Central Region District 3
Baxter/St. Cloud offices: mndot.gov/d3
Facebook: group/mndotcentral
X social stream: @mndotcentral