BAXTER, Minn. - The final stretch of Highway 10 west of Staples from 255th Avenue to Township Road 75, in Todd County, is now open to four lanes of traffic, reports the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

“Recreational traffic really peaks this time of year in the northern lakes area,” said Bob Busch, MnDOT district engineer. “MnDOT is very excited to have the entire three miles of four-lane completed and open to the traveling public by the Fourth of July holiday.”

Construction of the Highway 10 four-lane expansion at Staples began in fall 2006. Four lanes of traffic opened through the city of Staples in fall 2007. This year, crews constructed the remaining four-lane segment, landscaped, established turf and built east and west road connections to the new corridor.

Mathiowetz Construction Corporation of Sleepy Eye is the prime contractor for the $10.2 million safety improvement project.