East St. Cloud Braces for Year Two of Highway Interchange Construction

(KNSI) – An orange cone headache resumes in East St. Cloud on Monday.

Road construction on the Highway 10 and Highway 23 interchange returns for year two. Phase one of the project caused significant delays for drivers in 2023, and motorists can expect more of the same this year. Everyone is encouraged to look for alternate routes, especially at peak travel times. MnDOT says people must be patient and add time to their commute for the first few days as travelers learn the new set-up.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is building the $43.7 million interchange project, which will provide a smoother road surface, improved safety, and access throughout the area.

Commuters will need to contend with single-lane head-to-head traffic. Officials also say to expect Highway 23 to be down to one lane in each direction, 24-7, between Lincoln Avenue Southeast and 25th Avenue Southeast. Highway 10 will also be reduced to one lane in each direction between Benton Drive Southeast and 15th Avenue Southeast. The interchange’s remaining access ramps will close from eastbound Highway 10 and westbound Highway 23.

Detours to and from the area will be posted.

MnDOT plans to finish the project in November. Between now and then, crews must install adjacent roads and entrances on Highway 10 and 23 and construct access ramps. St. Cloud needs to build the 4th Street bridge over Highway 10, which will connect to sidewalks and trails.

In 2023, the project caused many problems for businesses in East St. Cloud. Some restaurants and stores reported their sales were down 25% during construction season.

For more information on the project, click here.

For current road conditions in central Minnesota, click here.

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