On November 18th, 2025, MnDOT, along with the City of Hastings, hosted a presentation about the upcoming Hwy 61 construction scheduled for autumn of 2027 through spring of 2029.
According to MnDOT, some planned improvements are the following:
- Reconstruct HWY 61 from just north of 3rd Street to south of 36th Street with concrete pavement from north of 3rd Street to the new roundabout at HWY 316.
- Replace the Todd Field wall along HWY 61.
- Construct new 6-foot sidewalks and pedestrian ramps to improve accessibility (ADA) on both sides of HWY 61.
- Construct a bike/pedestrian bridge across HWY 61 over the Vermillion River.
- Add a new 8-foot trail along HWY 61, from HWY 316 to 36th Street.
- Add a traffic signal at the Hwy 61/18th Street intersection.
- Update drainage and utilities.
MnDOT says drivers can expect lane and directional closures on HWY 61 during this project.
A question was raised at the public meeting regarding business accessibility during construction. Bryant Ficek, with MnDOT Metro, said that businesses, as well as residences, will be accessible during construction. Though Ficek pointed out the normal route to a business or residence may be different during construction.
The estimated cost of this project will be between $30 and $40 million.
According to MnDOT, some of the benefits from this project will be improved safety and traffic flow at intersections, improved accessibility (ADA) for the community, and protection of Todd Field from HWY 61 traffic.
KDWA spoke with Bryant Ficek, MnDOT Metro area manager; he offered insight into the funding of the construction project.
Robert Jones, the project manager and the south area engineer for Dakota County, also spoke with KDWA. He shared about MnDOT’s public engagement and what the community can expect.
Full audio version of the story: