By Bruce Karnick & Kirsten Klein of MNDOT

[email protected]

November 6 folks, we are almost there! Yes, the delays have been a pain for many, especially the businesses that rely on the through traffic like Burger King, Coborn’s and Speedway, and the folks that live out past Malcolm Ave. The detour is too long, but we’re close. As of today, Thursday, it’s just over a week and the Minnesota Department of Transportation says they will have Highway 316 open.

The current closures and traffic control will remain in place on Highway 316 for the next couple of weeks as workers complete the project. There is still the potential for reopening sections of the highway earlier. However, this reopening cannot occur without final paving and striping/temporary striping in the area. All areas of the project are expected to reopen by the end of day Saturday November 6. The current closures will continue to provide for the safety of the construction team and public while providing a quality road surface when the work is done.

Here’s what you can continue to expect during this time: Hwy 316 remains closed to through traffic, requiring temporary detours during construction.

Regional through traffic should continue using the Hwy 61 regional detour.

Local traffic with a destination in the City of Hastings can use the local detour on 10th St. and Glendale Rd./Nicolai Ave. (Co. Rd. 91).

Hwy 316 between the north junction with Hwy 61 and 31st St. remains closed to all traffic.

Residential access to the Spiral Business Park area and the Hastings Civic Arena should continue to follow the signed detour using 21st St. and Commerce Dr.

Trucks/delivery access to the Spiral Business Park area and the Hastings Civic Arena should See HIGHWAY 316 PAGE 3 continue to use 10th St. and Glendale Rd. to reach Spiral Blvd.

All access to the 33rd St. businesses will continue to be through the Hwy 61/33rd St. intersection.

Hwy 316 between 31st St. and Malcolm Ave. remain closed except for local traffic to and from residences or businesses with driveways directly to Hwy 316. Obey all construction signs and watch for construction personnel and activity if travelling on this section of Hwy 316.

Hwy 316 between Malcolm Ave. and Tuttle Dr. remains closed to all traffic.

Residents in the Tuttle Dr. neighborhoods will use the newly constructed Hwy 316/Tuttle Dr. roundabout to and from Co. Rd. 91 to access their neighborhood (the local detour route).

“Road Closed” to “Thru Traffic” and/or “Local Traffic Only” means you need to take a different route and should only cross the barrier if you have no other option to reach your destinations within the restricted area. For example, if the driveway to your home or worksite can only be accessed on the restricted roadway, you are local traffic and not thru traffic. If your destination is outside the restricted area, you should take another route and not go through.

Travelers should not enter a road that is closed or marked as private to bypass this closure.