BAXTER, Minn. - Motorists will experience a traffic switch with two-way traffic on northbound Highway 169 just north of the Rum River Rest Area to just south of Onamia starting June 15, as the Minnesota Department of Transportation begins resurfacing the southbound lanes of Highway 169.

This $4.5 million project is one of nearly 100 Minnesota road and bridge projects that will be funded with $502 million in federal economic stimulus dollars.

Beginning June 1, there will be lane closures in both directions at various locations as the contractors prepare for the two-way traffic switch to the northbound lanes. Motorists should watch for a traffic switch with two-way traffic on the northbound lanes of Highway 169 approximately two weeks after the project begins (mid-June). There will also be a temporary work zone speed zone of 55 mph once the traffic is switched to the northbound lanes.

Motorists are asked to slow down and use caution in the area where crews are working and be alert for trucks hauling materials in the work zone.

Shafer Contracting Co., Inc., is the prime contractor for the this resurfacing project, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that was signed into law Feb. 17, 2009.

All work to be completed by July 24.

For updated statewide traffic, construction, weather and travel information, visit www.511mn.org.