Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 55/59

Elbow Lake to Barrett

Project complete

Map shows Highway 55/59 project work zone
Hwy 55 from Elbow Lake to Barrett

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is partnering with Grant County to complete a project on Highway 55/59 from Elbow Lake to Barrett. Construction began in July 2022.

Project details

  • Robust resurfacing (reclaim)
  • Shoulder-widening, with 8 additional feet (4-foot paved, 4-foot gravel) on each side of the highway
  • County Road 54 realignment
  • Culvert replacements
  • Turn lanes at County Road 8 and County Road 21
  • Potential installation of snow drift grading
  • Access improvements
  • Pedestrian ramp installation in the city of Barrett

We heard you! 2020 survey results

Graphic shows the Highway 55/59 survey results. It also shows the action plan for the safety-focused highway design that will address issues mentioned by survey respondents.
Hwy 55/59 survey results per question asked and design action plan

In the spring of 2020, MnDOT conducted an online survey to gather public feedback for a future project on Hwy 55/59. The survey was conducted in lieu of an in-person open house due to COVID-19.

The Hwy 55/59 project team used the survey responses to inform the design of the project. Issues that are being addressed:

  • Poor pavement conditions and potholes
  • Narrow shoulders
  • A need for turn lanes
  • Drifting snow across the highway
  • Truck traffic
  • Drainage and flooding issues
  • Visibility concerns due to hills
  • Steep ditches
  • Impacts to the native prairie

Majority of respondents were also concerned about construction not taking place until 2023, as the existing pavement condition is poor. MnDOT heard these concerns and made adjustments to our program so we can construct the Hwy 55/59 project in 2022.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey!