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Motorists using Highway 251 between Highway 218 and Interstate 35 will encounter a detour when the project begins construction Monday, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The detour will occur in two stages.

• Highway 251 through-traffic and traffic to Hollandale detour for Stage 1 begins Monday: Take Highway 218 north to Freeborn County Road 35 west to Freeborn County Road 30 south to Highway 251.

• Through-traffic on Highway 251 and traffic to Hollandale detour for Stage 2, which follows completion of Stage 1: Travel north on Freeborn County Road 30 to Freeborn County Road 35 west to I-35 south to Highway 251.

• Single-lane traffic on Highway 251 bridge over I-35.

• Freeborn County Road 26 detour during Stage 2, south of Hwy 251: Follow Freeborn County Road 26 south to Freeborn County Road 25 west to Freeborn County Road 45 north to I-35 north to Freeborn County Road 35 east to County Road 26 south.

The detours are needed while culverts are replaced that cross the highway, requiring construction crews to dig up the portion of the road where these are located. People will still have access to their businesses and homes along the highway.

Project benefits

• Resurfacing approximately 16.7 miles of Highway 251 from I-35 east to Hwy 218, mostly in Freeborn County, with a small portion also in Mower County

• Replacing approach panels on the bridge over I-35

• Replacing culvert/pipes along the route

• Improving ADA access in Hollandale

• Replacing guardrail on Hwy 251

Ulland Brothers is the contractor for the project, which is scheduled to be complete in late October.

Questions about access to properties or issues encountered can be directed to the contractor’s access manager, Chris Venem, at 507-391-2600.

MnDOT road work has been identified as a critical service in Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home executive order. Following guidance from state and federal health  officials, and to prevent further spread of COVID-19, crews will maintain social distancing practices while working.