Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 55/59

Elbow Lake to Barrett

Project summary

Map shows Highway 55 from Barrett to Hoffman as closed. Traffic is being detoured to Highways 59 and 27.
Hwy 55 from Elbow Lake to Barrett

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is partnering with Grant County to complete a project on Highway 55/59 from Elbow Lake to Barrett.

*In the spring of 2020, MnDOT conducted an online survey to help inform the design of the project (see results below). Majority of respondents were concerned about construction not taking place until 2023, as the existing pavement condition is poor. MnDOT heard these concerns and has made adjustments to our program so we can construct the Hwy 55/59 project in 2022.

Project details

  • Robust resurfacing (reclaim)
  • Shoulder-widening, with 8 additional feet (4-foot paved, 4-foot gravel) on each side of the highway
  • Culvert replacements
  • Turn lanes at County Road 8 and County Road 21
  • Potential installation of snow fence
  • Access improvements
  • Pedestrian ramp installation in the city of Barrett

Current/upcoming traffic impacts

Watch for crews: MnDOT maintenance crews to start tree/brush clearing by Jan. 27, 2021. Watch for slow-moving equipment and crews along the roadside. All work will take place within the state highway right of way.

Before and after construction

Graphic shows the Highway 55/59 before and after construction.
Hwy 55/59 before and after construction

 

Thanks for taking our survey!

Graphic shows the Highway 55/59 survey results. It also shows the action plan for the safety-focused highway design that will address issues mentioned by survey respondents.
Hwy 55/59 survey results per question asked and design action plan

In the spring of 2020, MnDOT conducted an online survey to gather public feedback for a future project on Hwy 55/59. The survey was conducted in lieu of an in-person open house due to COVID-19.

The Hwy 55/59 project team will use the survey responses to inform the design of the project. Issues that will be addressed by the project:

  • Poor pavement conditions and potholes
  • Narrow shoulders
  • A need for turn lanes
  • Drifting snow across the highway
  • Truck traffic
  • Drainage and flooding issues
  • Visibility concerns due to hills
  • Steep ditches
  • Impacts to the native prairie

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey! We will continue to keep the public informed and ask for additional feedback on the project as we move toward 2022 construction. Sign up for project email updates to ensure you stay in-the-know.