Carver County is improving safety, capacity, and mobility along Highway 212 between Norwood Young America and Cologne. This project will expand the final two-lane segment to a four-lane divided highway, upgrade intersections, and enhance regional freight and local travel through the corridor.

Traffic Impacts

Stay informed about scheduled closures and changes.

Flagging Near Highway 153 on July 20

Motorists traveling through the project area on Monday, July 20, should expect intermittent flagging operations near Highway 153 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane while alternating directions for short durations. Drivers may experience brief delays.

Tacoma Avenue to Close July 23

Tacoma Avenue is expected to close north of Highway 212 on July 20. The posted detour will use Highways 212, 5, and 25.

Tacoma Detour Map

Highway 153 Closed Through August 2026

Highway 153 will be closed north of Highway 212 beginning April 15 through August 2026. The posted detour uses Highways 212 and 284.

Highway 153 Detour

Salem Avenue Closed Through Summer 2026

Salem Avenue is closed south of Highway 212 to the railroad tracks. The posted detour uses Highway 212, Highway 51, 138th Street, and Salem Avenue.

Salem Detour April 2026

Traffic Shifts Through Fall 2026

Lane shifts and temporary alignments are in place:

  • West end of project (Norwood Young America) where the highway transitions between two and four lanes. 
  • East end of project (Cologne) where the highway transitions between two and four lanes.

Highway 51 Access Restrictions

  • Eastbound and westbound Highway 212 traffic is routed south, then over the bridge, to continue north on Highway 51.
  • Southbound Highway 51 traffic uses the new bridge to cross Highway 212.

Northbound and Southbound Highway 51 to Highway 212

Northbound and Southbound Highway 51 to Highway 212

Eastbound and Westbound Highway 212 to Highway 51

Westbound and Eastbound Highway 212 to Highway 51

Vision, Goals, and Resources

Highway 212 is a major regional corridor connecting Southwest Minnesota and South Dakota to the Twin Cities. It supports freight movement, local travel, and economic activity across a large region not served by an interstate or freeway. This project:

  • Expands approximately five miles of Highway 212 from two lanes to four lanes.
  • Connects to existing four-lane segments at both ends.
  • Improves safety and traffic flow.
  • Enhances long-term freight mobility.

Carver County is partnering with Benton Township, the Cities of Norwood Young America and Cologne, and MnDOT to deliver the project.

Highway 51 Interchange Design

The project includes construction of a grade-separated quadrant interchange at Highway 212 and Highway 51. Key elements:

  • Highway 51 shifted to a new alignment east of the existing roadway.
  • New Highway 51 bridge over Highway 212.
  • North and south quadrant roadways connecting to existing Highway 51.

Bongards.1

This design improves safety and mobility while minimizing environmental impacts compared to other interchange alternatives.

Reports and Historical Documents

The following assessments and reports were completed during earlier phases of the project:

Video and Project Materials

View recent drone footage of construction progress. Additional videos are available on the public works YouTube channel.

Latest Flight: July 2, 2026

Materials