Resurfacing on Highway 4 from St. James to Sleepy Eye begins July 31
MANKATO, Minn. – Resurfacing and culvert work on Highway 4 between St. James and Sleepy Eye is expected to begin July 31, weather permitting, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Traffic will be detoured to Highway 14, Brown County Road 8, Watonwan County Road 5, Highway 30, and Watonwan County Roads 32 and 3 until mid-August (detour map attached).
In mid-August, after the completion of the Butterfield Creek Bridge north of St. James, traffic will be detoured to Highway 14, Brown County Road 8, Watonwan County Road 5, Highway 30. (detour map attached).
Replacement of the Cottonwood River bridge south of Sleepy Eye will continue until early October. Traffic remains detoured to Highway 14 and Brown County Roads 8 and 24 for the duration of the project.
For safety, public carry-in water access near the Cottonwood River on Highway 4 south of Sleepy Eye remains closed during bridge construction. For more information visit the
Department of Natural Resources at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/water_access/index.html
The Highway 4 project between St. James to Sleepy Eye includes roadway, bridge, and drainage improvements. In addition to resurfacing approximately 25 miles of roadway, three bridges will be replaced. Additionally, the improvements made to the road will allow Highway 4 from St. James and Sleepy Eye to become a 10-ton route.
The project is expected to be complete in early October, weather permitting.
Stay connected
- Visit the Hwy 4 St. James to Sleepy Eye project website for project and detour information, and to sign up for email updates.
- Information will be shared on the MnDOT South Central Facebook group and on X @mndotscentral.
- For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
Project benefits, cost
Benefits of the project include improved pavement, drainage, and safety. Ulland Brothers, Inc. was awarded the project with a bid of $18,884,550.58.
Important work zone safety reminders:
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
###