WAYZATA — Plans are moving forward on a major reconstruction and safety improvement project along Highway 12 between Wayzata and Minnetonka, a heavily traveled corridor that serves as a key gateway to Lake Minnetonka and the western suburbs.
The project, led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), focuses on modernizing Highway 12—also known locally as Wayzata Boulevard—to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
In-Person Public Meeting Scheduled
MnDOT will host an in-person public meeting on Thursday, February 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wayzata City Hall, located at 600 Rice Street East.
The meeting will focus on the 2026 construction project on Highway 12 from Wayzata to Minnetonka. Project team members will present an overview of the planned improvements, outline anticipated benefits, and be available throughout the evening to answer questions from the public.
Community members are encouraged to attend, whether they live along the corridor, commute through the area, or own businesses nearby.
Project Overview
Construction on the Highway 12 improvement project is scheduled to take place from spring through fall of 2026, covering the stretch of Highway 12 between Shoreline Drive in Wayzata and I-494 in Minnetonka. The $50.9 million investment is designed to deliver long-term benefits for the corridor, including improved drainage, enhanced safety, a smoother driving surface, and critical bridge repairs. The project will also extend the overall life of the pavement, helping ensure the roadway continues to serve residents, commuters, and visitors reliably for decades to come.
MnDOT officials have emphasized that safety is a central driver of the project. Portions of the corridor have higher-than-average crash rates, and the redesign aims to reduce conflict points while accommodating current and future traffic volumes. The project also considers improved pedestrian crossings and connections to nearby trails and local destinations.
Construction is expected to be phased to minimize disruption, though motorists should anticipate lane closures, detours, and periodic delays once work begins. MnDOT has indicated that maintaining access to local businesses and neighborhoods will be a priority throughout construction.
Additional details on construction timing, traffic impacts, and final design elements are expected as the project moves closer to implementation. Updates will be shared through MnDOT and local city communication channels.
For residents and visitors alike, the Highway 12 project represents a significant investment in the region’s transportation backbone—one intended to support safety, economic vitality, and long-term growth along the north shore of Lake Minnetonka.
For more information, visit the MNDot homepage for the project:
