Orange cones are returning to Minnesota highways, signaling the start of another packed construction season.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to take on more than 200 road projects in 2026, along with 51 additional efforts tied to airports, ports and rail lines.
The overall goal is straightforward: fix what is worn out, build what is needed and keep people moving safely across the state.
Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said in a MDOT news release that the short window for road work in a northern climate means crews have to accomplish a great deal in just a few months. Roughly 120 projects center on repairing or replacing infrastructure, including the construction of 41 new bridges and improvements to 79 others. Another 50 projects are designed to improve connections between highways, local roads and communities.
Major metro-area projects
- Resurfacing Highway 280 in St. Paul, Roseville and Lauderdale
- Reconstructing Highway 12 in Wayzata and Minnetonka
- Beginning a four-year project to build four interchanges along Highway 65 in Blaine
- Replacing the I-35E bridge over Shepard Road in St. Paul
- Continuing reconstruction of Highway 97 in Forest Lake
- Continuing construction of the Highway 169 and 282 interchange in Jordan
- Wrapping up major work on I-94 in St. Paul, I-35W in Burnsville and the I-394 and I-94 corridor in Minneapolis
Projects across greater Minnesota
- Expanding I-94 between Albertville and Monticello to three lanes
- Replacing or repairing bridges near Melrose and Sauk Rapids
- Resurfacing westbound I-94 west of Highway 79 near Evansville
- Completing interchange improvements at the west junction of I-94 and Highway 210 near Fergus Falls
- Repaving and adding roundabouts and intersection upgrades on Highway 61 in Duluth
- Reconstructing Highway 2 between Highway 194 and Midway Road west of Proctor
- Launching a multi-year reconstruction of Highway 11 in Warroad, including new roundabouts and pedestrian upgrades
- Rebuilding Highway 220 north of East Grand Forks
- Starting a two-year reconstruction of Highway 210 in Brainerd, including updates to the Mississippi River bridge
- Improving Highway 10, Highway 71 and Highway 29 in Wadena
- Completing the three-year 11th Street underpass project in Moorhead
The 2026 construction program totals about $1.5 billion. State officials say bids have so far come in close to estimates, though costs continue to be monitored.
Safety remains a key message. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, more than 13,000 crashes occurred in Minnesota work zones between 2019 and 2024, leading to 15 deaths and thousands of injuries. Drivers are urged to slow down, eliminate distractions and follow posted signs.
Meanwhile, Metro Transit has increased service frequency on several major routes and is encouraging commuters to consider transit during peak construction months.
Transportation leaders say delays are inevitable, but they argue the work is essential. Minnesota’s construction season may be brief, yet it plays a critical role in keeping roads safe and reliable long after the cones are gone.
Sources: MDOT, KSTP
