Coming Soon,
A better brainerd
Hwy 210 road work ahead. Find your way and shop local!
Driving Update
Week of June 1st
Construction on Highway 210 through the East Brainerd Mall segment is now underway through early August between 10th Avenue NE and Fifth Avenue NE. Crews are currently reconstructing the East Brainerd Mall segment and building two new roundabouts to help improve traffic flow and safety.
During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction around the work zone using 10th Avenue NE and Highway 25, with a temporary signal at 10th Avenue NE/Highway 25. Expect delays and stop-and-go traffic during busy times, so if you can, plan ahead and leave yourself extra time.
The good news is local access remains open to the East Brainerd Mall area via Fourth Avenue NE and E Street NE, and Brainerd 210 businesses are ready to welcome you. So, grab your coffee, get your gas, stop for lunch, run those errands, and keep those appointments.
Visit the MnDOT webpage for more details and sign up for email updates.
Pardon the progress
But a Better Road Lies Ahead
Highway 210 (Washington Street) is undergoing a massive $46 million upgrade. Think smoother streets, faster travel and a prettier look that will make Brainerd better. It’s a once-in-a-generation project, but hey—no pain, no gain. It will take two full construction seasons (2026-27) to pull this off.
Goodbye, potholes!
Our entire roadway will be jet black and brand new. Intersections and access points are being redesigned to improve traffic flow and make it easier to get around. (And yes, there will be a couple of new roundabouts to manage!)
Let’s walk and roll!
Walkers and bikers will enjoy wider sidewalks, nicer streetlights, and better access to neighborhoods and businesses. It will feel safer, more connected and more enjoyable for those who aren’t behind the wheel.
Taking care of business!
All these upgrades will benefit our business community. Brainerd will be more attractive to locals and visitors, but we need to help small businesses survive before they can thrive. Now is the time to shop local!
Meet the
Blue Ox
Follow Babe to Your Favorite Places!
You know me. You like me. Admit it, you might even love me. I’m your old friend Babe, the Drive 210 mascot! My job is to bring a Lakes Proud smile to your face while you navigate the detours. I’m also here to give you a big blue nudge to go out of your way to support local businesses. Keep your eyes open. You never know where I’ll pop up next!
6/1/26 Construction Update
Despite the orange cones, supporting our Highway 210 business community is still EASY! Here's how you can stay Lakes Proud: From Washington Street, follow the detour signs on 4th Ave NE & feed into businesses using B Street. From Mill Avenue, you can access the...
Meet Babe – Your Drive 210 Mascot
Babe the Blue Ox here! I’ll be out and about this summer helping people find their way through the Washington Street construction, spreading smiles, and cheering for the shops, restaurants, offices, and services that make Brainerd special! Got a Question? We'll get...
5/20/26 Construction Update
Better roads are ahead for Brainerd 210! Washington Street road construction is officially underway, and although it's going to be a long project, going out of your way to support local businesses is always worth it. Visit the Drive 210 website for construction...
What Is Drive 210?
It’s about going the extra mile.Highway 210 construction is underway, and Drive 210 is here to help our community get through it together. Drive 210 is a local campaign focused on one simple message: Brainerd businesses are open, accessible, and worth the extra...
Hwy 210 Construction Begins
Up first is the East Brainerd Mall area around Mill Avenue.Heads up, Brainerd friends. Starting the week of May 11-18, the next phase of Highway 210/Washington Street construction begins near the East Brainerd Mall area. Here’s what to know before you go: Highway 210...
Q&A with Babe the Blue Ox
Get to know the big blue legend behind Drive 210!Babe, how does it feel to be the new face of Drive 210? It feels fantastic! I’ve got my hard hat, my safety vest, and just one job to do. I’m your big blue reminder that local businesses are still open and worth the...
about the Project
2026 & 2027
The Washington St. project will take two full construction seasons to complete from spring 2026 to fall 2027. Crews will finish any remaining work in 2028.
Throughout the entire project, access to residential areas, parks and your favorite local businesses will always be open.
2026 Work Segments
Phase 1
April – May, 2026
Segment: East
Phase 2
May – August, 2026
Segment: Mall
Phase 3
August – October, 2026
Segment: Railyard
Local Businesses,
We’re here for you
Visit our business support page for marketing materials, mascot requests, and help with construction issues.
Got a Question?
We'll get you an answer
Contact us for more info on road construction or business support. Or share your cool ideas to help our community!
Local, Supporting Local.
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