Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Highway 97

Forest Lake

This webpage is not updated over the weekend/overnight. For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, visit 511mn.org.

Traffic impacts

Highway 97 in Forest Lake project area map.

Hwy 97 in Forest Lake project location map.

View full-size map

All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.

Upcoming

Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be posted as details become available.

Road closures

5 a.m. Mon, June 2 through fall 2025
  • Hwy 97 both directions from Hornsby Ave. to Falcon Ave. is closed
    • Eastbound detour: Northbound I-35 to eastbound Hwy 8 to southbound Hwy 61
    • Westbound detour: Northbound Hwy 61 to westbound Hwy 8 to southbound I-35
    • Southbound I-35 to eastbound Hwy 97 detour: Southbound I-35 to Broadway Ave. to northbound I-35 to eastbound Hwy 8 to southbound Hwy 61

Project visualization

Check out a video visualization of what the finished project area is anticipated to look like.

About this project

Starting in June 2025, Hwy 97 will be reconstructed between I-35 and Hwy 61 to improve traffic flow and safety. Turn lanes will be added at specific intersections along the highway and a single-lane roundabout at Fenway Avenue also will be constructed. A raised median will be added to divide east and westbound traffic on the two-lane roadway. The median will also serve as an accessible pedestrian crossing. A new multi-use trail will be constructed along the south side of Hwy 97 to provide a safer space for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as a connection to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.

Summary of work

  • Reconstruct roadway and add raised medians
  • Add turnlanes at specific intersections
  • Build a single-lane roundabout
  • Construct multi-use trail
  • Upgrade pedestrian accessibility
  • Repair/replace drainage

Project timeline

Consstruction will be done in two stages, with one half of the road under construction each year.

  • Stage 1 (2025): Hornsby St. to Falcon Ave. Construction Monday, June 2 to late fall
  • Stage 2 (2026): Falcon Ave. to Forest Rd.