Hwy 169—Garrison

All lanes, sidewalks open ;)

MnDOT appreciates the community’s patience throughout this six-month project, including area detours. Crews will remove detour signs and finish final turf and guardrail updates through Fri, Oct. 30.

• Detour lifted Fri, Oct. 23, included the alliway stop at Co. Rd. 26.
• Update Sept. 28 - roundabout opens in Garrison
• News release: New Garrison roundabout is open, marking key milestone for Hwy 169

About this 2026 project

MnDOT improved five miles of Hwy 169 from south of Garrison at Crow Wing Co. Rd. 26 to north of Garrison at Pike Ave. Work included city storm sewer, sidewalk and a new roundabout at the busy Hwy 18 intersection.

Highlights

In Garrison

• Reconstruct Hwy 169 from the north and south city limits, includes adjacent entrances and road approaches - complete
• Construct a four-legged single lane roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 169, Hwy 18 and Monroe St. - complete
• Install new city storm sewer - complete
• Update or add pedestrian sidewalk and approaches
• Upgrade lighting

North and south of Garrison

• Resurface (mill and overlay) from south of Co. Rd. 26 to south of Hwy 18 in Garrison
• Resurface north of Hwy 18 to Pike Ave., one mile north of Hwy 18 - Complete
• Reconfigure turn lanes at Co. Rd. 26
• Replace or repair drainage structures
• Includes the St. Alban's Bay historic culvert
• Upgrade guardrail

Tips on navigating the new one-lane roundabout

• Slow down to about 15–25 mph as you enter.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to cars already in the roundabout.
• Don’t pass large trucks—they need extra space.
• Keep moving counterclockwise; don’t stop or pull over in the circle.
• If an emergency vehicle is coming, exit the roundabout first, then pull over.
• Watch how to drive roundabouts - YouTube (City of Ottawa)

Learn more about roundabouts in Minnesota, visit mndot.gov/roundabouts

Roundabout design

Hwy 169, Hwy 18 and Monroe St. intersection, includes sidewalks.