MnDOT will resurface both directions of Hwy 169 between Milaca and Princeton, replace pipes and reconstruct the access at Hwy 169 and Mille Lacs Co. Rd. 8 in Pease.
Current impacts
Motorists to encounter lane closures and off-road work during the full duration of this project.
Hwy 169
Lane closures
Aug. 19 to mid-October
Both directions: segments of single-lane traffic to resurface Hwy 169 from south of Co. Rd. 36 in Milaca to one mile north of Co. Rd. 29 in Princeton
MnDOT will resurface both directions of Hwy 169 between Milaca and Princeton, replace pipes and reconstruct the access at Hwy 169 and Mille Lacs Co. Rd. 8 in Pease.
Summary of work
Pease
July 8 to late September
Reconstruct into a J-turn access at Hwy 169 and Mille Lacs Co. Rd. 8 (west of Hwy 169 is Main St.; east of Hwy 169 is 105th St.)
Replace stormwater pipes beneath road
Install overhead intersection lighting
Update pedestrian approaches and install a crossing in the median
Milaca to Princeton
July 29 to mid-October
Resurface both directions of Hwy 169 (mill and overlay asphalt) between half-mile south of Co. Rd. 36 in Milaca and one mile north of Co. Rd. 29/N Rum River Rd. in Princeton, includes shoulders and turn lanes
Replace or repair pipes beneath southbound Hwy 169:
Between 122nd St. and 120th St.
South of Co. Rd. 8
Between Co. Rd. 146 and Co. Rd. 12
Between Co. Rd. 12 and Co. Rd. 135
About J-turns
Improve access and safety
J-turn intersections decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-lane divided highways, like Hwy 169. Drivers always make a right turn, followed by a J-turn. This eliminates the wait for a gap to cross both directions, which reduces potential conflicts.
J-turns were installed at these Hwy 169 intersections in 2020: