Highway 169 remains one-lane traffic, 24-7, in Princeton until late October

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Motorists who travel through Princeton on Highway 169 should be prepared for delays, especially at peak hours, as both directions remain reduced to one-lane of traffic, 24-7, until late October, advises the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Here’s what will occur:

May 2 until late October: Highway 169 will remain one lane each way, 24-7 between 313th Avenue and Baxter Road.
Traffic shifts around May 9: Expect head-to-head traffic on the northbound side of Highway 169 as crews update and repair the southbound Highway 169 bridges.
Traffic shifts in late summer: Expect head-to-head traffic on the adjacent side of Highway 169 as crews update the northbound Highway 169 bridges.

Work zone reminders:

Local access will change along Highway 169: Watch and follow directional signs.
Do the Zipper Merge: Use both lanes until merge point and take turns.
Obey reduced speeds: Fines for speeding in a work zone is $300.
Add travel time to reduce stress: Expect back-ups or sudden stops, especially at peak hours for school, work and holidays or weekends.
Know before you go: Check 511mn.org for current impacts and travel speeds.

This six-month $7.3 million project will repair and replace the concrete wearing surface on eight bridges—four in each way—over North Rum River Drive (Mille Lacs County Road 29), the West Branch Rum River, First Street (Sherburne County Road 31) and South Rum River Drive (Sherburne County Road 29).

All work activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent and subject to change.

When open in fall 2025, the bridges will provide a smoother travel surface, extend the life of the structures and improve storm water drainage.

For more information and to sign-up for roadwork email updates, visit the Highway 169 Princeton at www.mndot.gov/d3/projects/princeton/.

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