Coming Soon,
A better brainerd
Hwy 210 road work ahead. Find your way and shop local!
Driving Update
Week of October 5th
MnDOT will open the new twin roundabouts on Hwy 210 (Washington St.) at Crow Wing County Road 3 (Mill Ave.) and C St./Hwy 25 to one-lane traffic Thursday morning, Aug. 20. The opening is an important step toward improving safety and traffic flow through east Brainerd.
The detour will shift after 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. Drivers, residents, visitors, and local businesses should expect new traffic patterns throughout the fall and follow all posted signs while traveling through the work zone.
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- Expect gravel, grooved pavement, and sidewalk detours.
- Use C St. and B St. to access areas north of Hwy 210 between Gillis Ave. and Fifth St.
- Use Oak St. to access areas south of Hwy 210 at 13th St. SE (NP Center).
- 10th Ave. NE is closed between Hwy 210 and Hwy 25 while connections are reconstructed.
- Use the new Nelson Dr. connection (formerly 8th Ave. NE) on Hwy 210 between Hwy 25 and Mill Ave. to access the funeral home, nearby businesses, and education center.
Please allow extra time, use caution in the work zone, and follow posted traffic and pedestrian detour signs.
For the latest construction information and to receive project updates by email, visit the MnDOT webpage.
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!
Let’s Drive 210 SAFELY!
Let's Drive 210 & our local detours SAFELY! 🚸 Follow the marked detours. Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Watch for pedestrians. Use marked crosswalks. Watch for children playing. Together, we can all Drive 210 and keep our community safe! Got a Question?...
09/18/2026 – Construction Update
There might be more orange cones than ever before on Washington Street, but our local 210 business community is still accessible! Watch this week's video for construction updates, and let's continue working together to Drive 210! Got a Question? We'll get you an...
Back to School
It's back to school! And that means, while we're out and about on local Washington Street detours, we have a responsibility to slow down, yield, and make safety our #1 priority. Together, we can Drive 210, and protect the kids in our community! Got a Question? We'll...
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.
our partners
