Highway 12 reopening is targeted for the week of Nov. 16, with all lanes expected to return to service between Wayzata and Minnetonka, according to a Nov. 8 report from KARE 11 citing a MnDOT spokesperson.
The target would bring relief after months of construction. In the report, residents described traffic delays and vibration from crews removing old concrete. A MnDOT spokesperson said the agency condensed two construction seasons into one.
Lane and ramp restrictions remain
As of Nov. 9, MnDOT’s project page lists one lane in each direction between Shoreline Drive and Gleason Lake Road through mid-November. Between Gleason Lake Road and I-494, two lanes remain open in each direction through November.
The agency also lists these ramp closures through mid-November:
- Northbound Shoreline Drive to eastbound Highway 12.
- Eastbound Highway 12 to and from Central Avenue.
Intermittent overnight lane closures and ramp closures may continue through November. MnDOT cautions that traffic impacts are tentative and weather-dependent, so the reopening target is not a guarantee that every restriction will end that week. Drivers can check 511 Minnesota before traveling.
A project with downtown impacts
Work includes rebuilding Highway 12 near downtown Wayzata, pavement repairs farther east, ramp repairs, lighting and accessibility improvements.
Wayzata.com reported in April on concerns about access to downtown, including the effects on residents, visitors and businesses. City officials urged clear communication about detours and changing ramp closures.
KARE 11 also reported that an osprey nest on a highway sign delayed replacement work. Crews planned to remove the nest after the birds left for the season and install a separate nesting structure away from the highway.
