Update: 10th Avenue Northeast will be closed after Aug. 19. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we correct this information from the earlier release.
Washington Street update
BAXTER, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will open the new twin Highway 210 (Washington Street) roundabouts at Crow Wing County Road 3 (Mill Avenue) and C Street/Highway 25 to one-lane traffic Thursday morning, Aug. 20. The opening marks an important step toward improving safety and travel through east Brainerd.
The detour will shift after 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Drivers should plan for new traffic patterns and follow posted signs while moving through the work zone this fall.
- Highway 210 will remain one lane each way through east Brainerd.
- Highway 210 will remain closed and detoured between C Street/Highway 25 and Kingwood Street.
- Temporary mini roundabouts at Oak Street and Thirteenth Street Southeast, and Oak Street and South Eighth Street. Slow down and stop for pedestrians crossing. Many children will be attending area schools soon — watch for buses and slow-moving traffic entering and exiting areas in the morning and afternoon.
- 10th Avenue Northeast will close between Highway 210 and Highway 25 for reconstruction.
- Mill Avenue/County Road 3 will open and the truck detour lifted.
MnDOT will monitor traffic and adjust as needed. Please stay alert as drivers adjust to the new pattern. Those traveling through Brainerd can use one of the regional detour routes (PNG) to avoid construction.
Brainerd remains open
Local access will be open and maintained for residents, workers and visitors:
- Follow signs; expect gravel, grooved pavement and sidewalk detours.
- Use C Street and B Street to reach areas north of Highway 210 between Gillis Avenue and Fifth Avenue.
- Use Oak Street and 13th Street Southeast to reach areas south of Highway 210.
- Use the new Nelson Drive connection (old Eighth Avenue Northeast) to access the funeral home and businesses along 10th Avenue Northeast.
Construction on the railyard segment continues as crews rebuild lanes and entrances, replace the 13th Avenue Southeast/Gillis Avenue signal, update city watermain and storm sewer systems, and rebuild sidewalks and approaches. Drivers are reminded to slow down in work zones and watch for workers, equipment and changing road conditions.
All lanes will reopen over the 2026-2027 winter season and in spring 2027, work will commence between Baxter Drive and Kingwood Street.
Navigating roundabouts safely through the work zone
The new Highway 210 roundabouts will continue to function as single-lane roundabouts until all four lanes open this fall. MnDOT asks motorists to focus on these safety tips:
- Treat it as one lane: Pay attention to temporary orange barrels and pavement markings that block off the extra lanes. Merge into a single line before entering.
- Yield right-of-way: Slow down or stop at the entry line. Yield to all vehicles already circulating inside the circle and any pedestrian in the crosswalk.
- Do not pass trucks: Large semi-trucks and trailers will need the entire width of the single lane and may use the concrete truck apron on the center island. Give them plenty of room and never pass them.
- Large vehicles and trailers will travel over the raised center circle of a mini roundabout to safely turn.
To learn more about Minnesota roundabouts, visit: mndot.gov/roundabouts.
When the project is complete in 2027, the $46 million investment will bring safer travel, smoother traffic flow and dependable access — creating a better and more beautiful Brainerd.
Stay connected
# # #
