Resurfacing of Highway 97 between Interstate 35 in Columbus and Hwy. 95 east of Scandia begins the morning of Monday, July 9 on the section of roadway between the interstate and Hwy 61.

As work begins on this section, Hwy 97 will be closed between I-35 and Hwy 61. The ramp from northbound I-35 to Hwy 97 also will close. Access for residents and to businesses along this section of Hwy 97 will be provided throughout the closure. All other traffic will be detoured along Broadway Ave. and Hwy. 61.

The project also includes culvert replacement and installation of curb and gutter on Hwy. 97 between I-35 in Columbus and Hwy. 95 near Scandia and on Hwy. 61 from just south of the junction of Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 97 to the junction of Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 8 in Forest Lake. The ramp from northbound I-35 to Hwy 97 also will be widened.

Weather permitting, the section of Hwy. 97 between I-35 and Hwy. 61 along with the interstate ramp, will reopen by Wednesday, August 8. Work on the remaining section of Hwy. 97 between Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 95 will begin after August 9, along with culvert replacement on Hwy. 61. At various times, single lane traffic will require flaggers and pilot car during that stage of the project.

Major completion of the project is expected by mid-November.

For statewide traffic, construction and travel information visit www.511mn.org or call 511 or log onto www.mndot.gov.