BAXTER, Minn. - Motorists traveling on Highway 169 two miles south of Aitkin will encounter a detour beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The detour will use three miles of Aitkin County Road 76. Detour map

The road closure is necessary to replace two Ripple River cast-in-place box culverts.

The contractor plans to replace the southern culvert by early November, 2009. Next construction season crews will replace the northern culvert.

Landwehr Construction, Inc. of St. Cloud is the prime contractor for the $980,700 improvement project.

Motorists are advised to allow for extra travel time and watch for detour signs.

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