Detour for Highway 22 Mankato to St. Peter project lifted by 4 p.m. today, Nov. 24

MANKATO, Minn. – The detour for the Highway 22 Mankato to St. Peter project is expected to be lifted by 4 p.m. today, Nov. 24, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Crews are expected to continue wrap-up work over the winter, with limited traffic impacts.

Highway 22 has been closed since April 11, with through traffic detoured to Highways 14 and 169. The two-year project will resume spring 2026, weather permitting

2025 construction highlights

Work in 2025 focused on the northern and southern ends of Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter and included:

Construction of a new roundabout at Highway 22 and Hill Street near Kasota (Le Sueur County Road 21) to improve safety. More information on navigating roundabouts is available at mndot.gov/roundabouts.
A channelized acceleration lane was added for motorists entering northbound Highway 22 from Blue Earth County Road 57, north of Mankato, to improve safety and traffic flow.
New turn and passing lanes for safety
Bridge repair and replacement
Improved lighting at intersections and snow fence

2026 construction work

Reconstruction of the middle section of Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter
Construction on the Rabbit Road bridge north of Kasota

Walking and biking trail

Preparation also began this year for a future multi-use walking and biking trail connecting Mankato and St. Peter, including grading work and a pedestrian underpass near Kasota. For safety, the trail and pedestrian underpass remain closed to the public. MnDOT received funding to design the trail and purchase property, but paving and construction of a trail bridge over the Canadian Pacific rail corridor north of Mankato remains unfunded and would be the responsibility of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Project benefits and costs

Benefits of the project include improved safety, smoother pavement, and better traffic flow along the corridor.
Mathiowetz Construction Company was awarded the project with a bid of $36,896,294.56.

MnDOT thanks everyone involved in the project and expresses its appreciation to residents, businesses, and motorists for their patience and understanding throughout the work.

Stay connected

Project details, detour maps, weekly progress reports, to sign up for email updates, and drone footage is available on the Highway 22 Mankato to St. Peter project website.

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