The Hastings City Council hosted a Municipal Consent Public Hearing for the Hwy 61 project Mon, Oct. 19. View the Hwy 61 reconstruction design layouts (PDF).
We will start removing dead and unhealthy trees in the public right-of-way along Hwy 61 in late October or early November. More tree removals are planned for fall 2027 as early construction on Hwy 61 begins.
About this project
Hwy 61 project area map
Crews will reconstruct and improve a 2.7-mile stretch of Hwy 61 between just north of 3rd St. and just south of 36th St. in Hastings. The majority of work will be done in 2028 and 2029, with some work completed in fall 2027.
We have begun preliminary engineering for the highway and other key elements. Sign up for email updates on this project if you would like to be notified about upcoming engagement opportunities and to stay informed about construction.
The upcoming work is a result of the study of Hwy 61 in Hastings between 4th St. and 36th St. That study identified safety improvements for all modes of travel, alternatives for primary intersections, and options to consolidate private driveways and public roads.
Summary of work
- Reconstruct Hwy 61 from just north of 3rd St. to south of 36th St. with concrete pavement from north of 3rd St. to the new roundabout at Hwy 316
- Replace the Todd Field wall along Hwy 61
- Construct new full-size roundabouts at Hwy 316 and 36th St.
- Construct new 6-foot concrete sidewalks and pedestrian ramps along both sides of Hwy 61
- Add 8-foot trail along Hwy 61 from Hwy 316 to 36th St.
- Add a traffic signal at the intersection at Hwy 61 and 18th St.
- Accessibility improvements
- Update drainage
- Utility upgrades
Construction schedule
During construction, work is anticipated to occur in five segments, or separate areas of construction activity, with one segment being worked on at a time. Northbound lanes north of Hwy 16 are expected to be under construction in 2028, followed by southbound lanes in 2029. Both northbound and southbound lanes are expected to reopen for winter 2028.
- Segment 1A/1B: Hwy 61 between 2nd St. and 13th St.
- Segment 2A/2B: Hwy 61 between 13th St. and the Vermillion River
- Segment 3A/3B: Hwy 61 between the Vermillion River and Hwy 316
- Segment 4: Roundabout at Hwy 316
- Segment 5: Hwy 61 between Hwy 316 and 36th St.
Traffic lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction during construction while crews work in three sections along the road: southbound lane work, northbound lane work, and center lane work. A turn lane will be open during northbound and southbound lane work, but not during center lane work.
Traffic impacts
All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.
Upcoming
Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be added as details become available. Hwy 61 is not anticipated to be fully closed or detoured during the project. Motorists can expect lane closures throughout construction.