Zimmerman interchange: Fully funded, two stages of construction anticipated

The project team for an interchange project at Highway 169 and County Road 4 in Zimmerman has announced that the project is fully funded, private utility locations will begin in 2024, and a contractor will be selected in early 2025.

The project will be constructed in two stages:

• In 2025 the local connections will be constructed to provide access during major Highway 169 construction the following year.

• In 2026 the Highway 169-County Road 4 interchange bridge and ramps will be constructed.

During both stages, Highway 169 will be reduced to one lane in each direction except during winter months.

An open house will be held ahead of construction starting to share the final design and construction plans.

The intersection at County Road 4 (Fremont Avenue) in Zimmerman will be the only remaining traffic signal on Highway 169 between Onamia and Rogers once the 169 Redefine project in Elk River is completed.

The purpose of the Zimmerman interchange project is to remove this signal and replace it with an intersection design that improves safety and mobility through the area for all users, according to the project website.

Noise wall voting results announced

A noise barrier analysis was conducted and three locations met the necessary requirements to be considered for noise walls. In accordance with noise regulations, a public vote involving the affected parties was held last month. The votes have been tallied and the results are as follows:

• The west wall and northeast wall will not be built.

• The southeast wall will be built.

If you have any questions about the voting results, send a message to the project email (Hwy169andCR4@bolton-menk.com) or voicemail hotline (763-463-7818).