Hwy 34 construction open house May 2
News | Published on May 2, 2023 at 4:43pm EDT | Author: frazeevergas
0The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be completing a resurfacing project on Highway 34, from Becker County Road 29 to west of Osage, County Road 26/47 (old MN 225). During the bridge replacement at the Shell River, Highway 34 will close and thru-traffic will be detoured. Local traffic should expect daily lane closures, delays and potential access restrictions in the work zone.
The project includes: 21-miles of full depth reclamation and resurfacing; culvert and cattle pass work; bridge/box culvert replacement at Shell River and left turn lanes at intersection of County Road 47.
The detour traveling east will utilize Becker County Highway 29 to Minnesota State Highway 87 in Frazee and 21 miles to Highway 47 running through Midway to Osage.
A public meeting and pre-construction open house will be held Tuesday, May 2, from 4:30-7 p.m., at MnDOT Headquarters, 1000 U.S. Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes. No formal presentation is planned. Attendees can stop in whenever it’s convenient to learn about the construction schedule and plans.
The removal of trees and vegetation within 65 feet from both sides of the centerline has been completed.
In the fall/winter of 2024-25, MnDOT will perform selective logging within the state highway right of way on the south side of Highway 34 from west of Snellman to the Shell River (approximately 7 miles). Selective logging will help reduce shading on the roadway to help reduce chloride (salt) use during winter months and improve highway safety. All work will take place in the state highway right of way, and 50 percent of trees will remain out to 100 feet.
MnDOT is currently conducting a study with the University of Minnesota to gather additional data on sunlight and pavement temperature, and to help ensure that MnDOT is only removing trees that are necessary to improve safety.
The $15.7 million project is scheduled to last from May to October.
Proposed benefits include: smoother, longer-lasting pavement surface; safer bridge and drainage improvements and improved highway safety and reduced chloride (salt) use during winter months.