The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is gearing up for a significant safety and improvement endeavor on Highway. 24. In collaboration with both the City of Clearwater and Wright County, MnDOT has detailed plans for a project set to kick off in the summer of 2026 and wrap up by the late fall of 2027. Community engagement is a pivotal part of the process, and to this end, residents and frequent users of Hwy. 24 are being invited to an open house. Scheduled for Sept. 29, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., at the Lions Park Pavilion located at 1110 CSAH 75, Clearwater, this event serves as a platform for public inquiry and insight into the anticipated project. Wright County officials have announced the meeting is less formal in nature, allowing attendees the flexibility to drop in at any point during the scheduled time.
Notably, one of the key components of this initiative is the reconstruction of the Hwy. 24 bridge that spans I-94, stretching from 179th Street to Ash Street. In conjunction with the bridge revamp, there are plans in place for a series of improvements designed to streamline traffic flow and enhance accessibility. These include the construction of two roundabouts that will facilitate transitions to and from the I-94 westbound and eastbound ramps, and a teardrop-style roundabout at the junction of Hwy. 24 and Co. Rd. 145. Additional roadwork will be executed to develop new road approaches at Ash Street and Nelson Drive as part of the larger project.
Community members seem set to experience a transportation system that prioritizes both safety and efficiency. The multiphase project includes not only the bridge reconstruction and roundabout installations, but also extends to revamping Hwy 24 from County Road 145 (179th Street) to Smith Street. Furthermore, efforts will be made to improve pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure with the extension of the multi-use trail and sidewalks connecting Co. Rd. 145 and CSAH 75. Moreover, MnDOT's plans dovetail with Wright County's roundabout project at the intersection of Hwy 24 and CSAH 7, with the aim of creating a cohesive and improved transportation network.
The open house stands as a critical moment for local residents, offering direct engagement with MnDOT representatives regarding the project specifications. It's an opportunity to gain knowledge on what the forthcoming construction will entail, including the impact it might have on daily commutes and the overall timeline. According to MnDOT, "This isn’t a formal public hearing. It is an opportunity for Clearwater residents and those who use Hwy. 24 to stop at any time during the meeting time to ask questions and learn about thew plan, travel impacts, the schedule of work and to view project displays." Such engagement foregrounds MnDOT's commitment to keeping those affected by the project informed and involved in the process every step of the way.
