Coming Soon,
A better brainerd
Hwy 210 road work ahead. Find your way and shop local!
Driving Update
Week of August 10th
Washington St./Hwy 210 will close Monday, Aug. 10, between 10th Ave. NE and Kingwood St. as crews reconstruct the railroad segment through fall and complete work near the mall by early September.
Drivers should expect detours, lane shifts, reduced speeds, and delays, especially during busy times. Eastbound traffic will detour via S. Sixth St., Oak St., Hwy 25 and 10th Ave. NE, while westbound traffic will use 10th Ave. NE, Hwy 25, Oak St., and S. Eighth St.
Local businesses, schools, the funeral home, and other destinations along the work zone remain accessible. Follow posted signs and expect gravel, grooved pavement, and temporary sidewalk or entrance detours.
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!
Babe Goes to the CWC Fair
From Babe, to all of our friends in the BLA: Be sure to Drive 210 to the Crow Wing County Fair this week! 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...
08/01/26 – Construction Update
Let’s all work together to pardon the progress! Everything you need to know about the Washington Street and East Brainerd construction project this week is in the Drive 210 construction update video.⬇️ Follow those detours, drive safely and respectfully through...
07/29/26 – Construction Update
Things are taking shape on Washington Street! Construction crews are working hard to keep the project on track, and the next phase will be here before we know it. In the meantime, let's all remember to stay #lakesproud, support East Brainerd businesses, and Drive 210!...
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
