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MnDOT Approves Hwy 371 Overpass in Baxter with City's Conditions
The $58 million buttonhook overpass project will move forward after the city's demands were met.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has approved the construction of a $58 million buttonhook overpass on Highway 371 in Baxter, Minnesota, after the city council voted to approve the project with several conditions. The overpass will lift Highway 371 over the BNSF Railway tracks and Highway 210, creating a new bridge over Excelsior Road as well. MnDOT initially rejected the city's request to maintain a three-quarter intersection access between Highway 210 and Golf Course Drive, but has now agreed to that change in the design.
Why it matters
The Highway 371 overpass project is a major infrastructure undertaking that will significantly impact Baxter's central corridor. The city council initially voted against the project unless their conditions were met, highlighting the importance of local input and collaboration between the state transportation department and the community.
The details
MnDOT will construct the buttonhook overpass design as requested, with the addition of maintaining the three-quarter intersection access between Highway 210 and Golf Course Drive. This was one of several conditions the city council demanded, most of which relate to post-construction responses. The project is expected to cost $58 million, with MnDOT covering the core infrastructure costs and the city responsible for any additional 'beautification' elements like landscaping or decorative lighting.
- Construction is expected to start in 2028 and continue in 2029.
The players
MnDOT
The Minnesota Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for overseeing and approving the Highway 371 overpass project.
Baxter City Council
The local government body that initially voted against the project unless their conditions were met, including maintaining a three-quarter intersection access.
Mike Ginnaty
The MnDOT district engineer who acknowledged and accepted the city's conditions in a letter to Baxter.
What they’re saying
“With this action, the municipal consent process is now complete, and approval has been secured.”
— Mike Ginnaty, MnDOT District Engineer (brainerddispatch.com)
“We greatly appreciate the collaboration and engagement from City leadership and staff throughout this process. MnDOT looks forward to continuing our partnership as we move toward delivering this critical project for the Baxter community and the traveling public.”
— Mike Ginnaty, MnDOT District Engineer (brainerddispatch.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This project highlights the importance of state transportation agencies working closely with local communities to address their concerns and incorporate their input, even on major infrastructure undertakings. Baxter's persistence in securing changes to the original design shows how active civic engagement can shape the outcome of such transformative projects.
