Hwy 169—Milaca to Princeton

Good news—all lanes open Fri, Sept. 27

About this 2024 project

Resurface and improve both directions of Hwy 169 between Milaca and Princeton, replace pipes and reconstruct the access at Hwy 169 and Mille Lacs Co. Rd. 8 in Pease.

Summary of work

Milaca to Princeton

• Resurface both directions of Hwy 169 (mill and overlay asphalt) between half-mile south of Co. Rd. 36 in Milaca and one mile north of Co. Rd. 29/N Rum River Rd. in Princeton, includes shoulders and turn lanes
• Replace or repair pipes beneath southbound Hwy 169:
  • Between 122nd St. and 120th St.
  • South of Co. Rd. 8
  • Between Co. Rd. 146 and Co. Rd. 12
  • Between Co. Rd. 12 and Co. Rd. 135
  • Co. Rd. 8 in Pease

Pease

• Reconstruct into a J-turn access at Hwy 169 and Mille Lacs Co. Rd. 8 (west of Hwy 169 is Main St.; east of Hwy 169 is 105th St.)
• Install overhead intersection lighting
• Update pedestrian approaches and install a crossing in the median

Note: Motorists may encounter a periodic lane or shoulder closure as crews finish work into October 2024.

MnDOT thanks the local communities of Milaca, Pease, Long Siding, Brickton and Princeton, for their patience during this three month roadwork project with two detours. We hope you enjoy the smoother road surface!

J-turns

Improve access and safety

J-turn intersections decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-lane divided highways, like Hwy 169. Drivers focus on one direction of traffic at a time and always make a right turn, followed by a J-turn.

J-turns were installed at these Hwy 169 intersections in 2020:

• Co. Rd. 11 north of Milaca
• Co. Rd. 12 south of Pease
• Co. Rd. 13 in Long Siding

Learn more about J-turns on state highways

How to use J-turns

1. Stop and yield to vehicles in both lanes to your left
2. Crossover into the lane in the median
3. Yield to vehicles in both lanes to your right
4. Make a U-turn and head towards your destination
5. Either continue through the intersection or turn right