MnDOT Launches Study to Improve Safety and Traffic Flow on Highway 10

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is kicking off a study of Highway 10 between St. Cloud and Little Falls.

The study aims to tackle ongoing safety and traffic problems along the 30-mile stretch. For years, safety experts say, numerous issues have plagued driver safety and travel times. Among them are difficult left turns at numerous crossings, traffic signal problems in Royalton and St. Cloud that create bottlenecks and backups, and access management issues affecting how smoothly traffic moves through the corridor.

The project team will look at several factors impacting the highway’s performance, including current and projected population growth, land development patterns, road conditions, drainage systems, and safety data. The goal is to come up with practical recommendations that can be implemented in phases as funding becomes available.

The study will run through winter 2026, with plenty of opportunities for public involvement. The first public meeting will be held in fall/winter 2025 after officials complete their initial data analysis. In spring and summer 2026, there will be a second public meeting to review potential design alternatives. Next fall, the project should be ready for MnDOT to present the preferred design and next steps. The final report should be completed in winter 2026.

There is an online comment map for users to share their concerns and identify problem areas. Find that here.

There is also an email list to join for project updates. That can be found here.

For more information, contact Stephanie Castellanos at Stephanie.Castellanos@state.mn.us or Project Manager Tom Cruikshank at 320-223-6526 or Thomas.Cruikshank@state.mn.us.

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