Hwy 6 closes in Itasca County as detour, roadwork begins May 3

Ten miles of Highway 6 between the Cass and Itasca county lines will close starting May 3.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, motorists traveling on Highway 6, 11 miles north of Remer, and Highway 2 between Deer River and Cohasset will encounter the road closed and detoured starting May 3. The closure is necessary to resurface 10 miles of the asphalt road surface, replace pipes beneath the road, repair ditch drainage, regain gravel shoulders and realign the access at Itasca County Highway 11.

Crews will focus on two segments — first north, then south of Itasca County Road 63.

Here’s what to expect May 3 to mid-June:

• Highway 6 will close to through traffic from Itasca County Road 28 near Leighton Lake and Highway 2 between Deer River and Cohasset. Follow a signed detour along Itasca County Road 28, Cass County Highway 65, 72nd Avenue Northeast, 124th Street Northeast, Itasca County Highway 18 and Itasca County Highway 11 to Highway 2 west of Deer River.

• Access will remain open to those who live, work or visit along the Highway 6 work zone. However, expect changes, gravel or grooved road surfaces, flaggers, periodic stops, alternate one-way traffic and use of a pilot car. Temporary hard closures will occur to replace pipes beneath the road. Use the nearest open access to enter or exit the work area.

For more Highway 6 project information, visit mndot.gov/d3/projects or contact Kirk Allen, construction project manager in Baxter, at 218-828-5739 or kirk.allen@state.mn.us .

In a news release, MnDOT asked people to stay out of closed or barricaded areas and follow work zone signs for their safety, as well as to be alert for flaggers and be prepared to stop. Expect workers and equipment along multiple areas of this project.

When complete in mid-July, the $2.9 million project will provide a smoother road surface, restore ditch drainage and improve safety along 10 miles of Highway 6 in Itasca County, MnDOT reported.

For current construction in central Minnesota, visit mndot.gov/d3/construct and for real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, call 5-1-1 or visit 511mn.org .