Major roadwork on Highway 65 expands; construction spans two years
Detour extends north of Cambridge to Braham beginning Aug. 31
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will continue major improvements on Highway 65 between Cambridge and Braham, with construction now planned over two seasons. Originally planned for an early‑spring start, the project began in July. Because the work requires a full six‑month schedule, crews will not be able to complete the 10‑mile segment this year. As a result, construction will extend into 2027, with additional work planned north of Highway 107 in Braham next spring through July.
The first work segment and associated closure will remain in place until late fall 2026 and extend north from Stanchfield to Highway 107 in Braham. A second segment will follow in 2027.
On Monday, Aug. 31, Highway 65 will close to through traffic between Isanti County Road 30 in Cambridge and Highway 107 in Braham. Drivers should plan for detours, reduced speeds, no shoulders and periodic one-way traffic controlled by flaggers throughout the construction season. Local access will be maintained for residents, businesses and visitors within the closure.
Detour information
- Through traffic detour: Highway 107 (Braham), County Road 4 (413th Avenue), County Road 36, County Road 3 (Stanchfield), County Road 36, County Road 34 and County Road 30 (Cambridge) Download the detour(s) map from the project web page (PNG).
- West (Grandy) access is available via County Road 46 and County Road 24; follow posted signs
- Truck detour (in place all season): Highway 23 south of Mora, Highway 47 Ogilvie and Highway 95 Pine Brook, back to Highway 65 Cambridge Download truck detour map (PNG)
- Heavy, wide or long loads should avoid the local detour roads
Looking ahead to 2027
From May to July 2027, crews will continue construction from Braham to north of Braham. Additional traffic impacts, detours and access changes will be announced ahead of next year’s work.
Project highlights
- Resurface 10 miles of Highway 65
- Replace pipes and box culverts
- Update guardrail
- Add lighting at key county road intersections
- Add new mumble/rumble strips and pavement markings
- Upgrade Grandy with new storm sewer and sidewalks
Crews will use a cold‑in‑place recycling process that reuses the existing road material. A convoy of equipment mills, processes and repaves the surface in one pass, which helps extend the life of the roadway.
When Highway 65 reopens next year, drivers in Isanti and Kanabec counties will see smoother lanes, better storm drainage, safer intersections and improved walking access in Grandy.
MnDOT thanks the public for its patience during this extended construction period. For detour maps and the latest traffic updates, visit the Highway 65 Cambridge to north of Braham project web page.
For current road conditions on state highways, visit 511mn.org.
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