Head-to-head traffic begins at Fergus Falls I-94, Highway 210 project

Head-to-head traffic is now carrying Interstate 94 drivers through the west Highway 210 junction in Fergus Falls, tightening the corridor for a three-week stretch as the reconstruction moves deeper into its 2026 schedule. The change affects one of the city’s busiest travel links for commuters, freight traffic, and anyone moving between residential and commercial parts of town.

Minnesota Department of Transportation says the interchange ramps closed to all travelers after major traffic changes began May 4, sending Highway 210 traffic to and from I-94 onto County Road 1/Tower Road, Exit 55. Highway 210 remains open for east-west travel, but traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction on the south bridge. MnDOT also says head-to-head traffic on I-94 in the project area began June 16 and will last for three weeks, a setup that demands closer attention to lane shifts, merging traffic, and extra travel time through the work zone.

The project is rebuilding the junction from the ground up. MnDOT says the existing two bridges will be replaced with a single structure, the roadway will be reduced from four lanes to two, and three roundabouts are planned at the interchange ramps and at Redwood Lane. Trails will be added on both sides of Highway 210 for pedestrian and bicycle use. For drivers, the immediate effect is a narrower, more controlled route through the construction zone. For trucks and through-traffic, the detour and lane reduction make route choice and timing more important than usual.

Some of the most important work is already happening out of sight. The Daily Journal reported that storm sewer installation and culverts extending west from Redwood Lane have been completed. Those are the kinds of upgrades that shape how water moves, how pavement holds up, and how the new roadway will function once traffic returns to normal. In a corridor this heavily used, drainage and grading are as important as pavement and striping.

MnDOT has framed the project as an $18.6 million investment, with Park Construction of Minneapolis serving as prime contractor. The agency held a public open house on April 23 at the AmericInn by Wyndham, 526 Western Ave. in Fergus Falls, and MnDOT partnered with the Small Business Development Center for a pre-construction workshop on Oct. 13, 2025, at M State Legacy Hall, 1414 College Way, to prepare local business owners and leaders for the disruption ahead. With the ramps closed, the detour posted, and head-to-head traffic in place, the next phase of construction is now squarely in view.