Highway 22 Closure and Detour Between Mankato and St. Peter Begins April 15

Multi-year reconstruction project to improve traffic flow, safety, and infrastructure

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:03am

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A bold, geometric illustration in shades of gray, blue, and orange, depicting the sweeping scale and forced perspective of a major highway reconstruction project, capturing the grand vision for improved traffic flow and infrastructure in the region.A dramatic, large-scale highway reconstruction project promises to transform the critical transportation corridor between Mankato and St. Peter.Mankato Today

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is set to resume a major detour on Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, marking the start of the second and final year of a multi-year construction project aimed at reconstructing the roadway and improving regional infrastructure.

Why it matters

The project is designed to enhance traffic flow, reduce delays, and improve safety along the critical Highway 22 corridor connecting Mankato and St. Peter. The infrastructure upgrades, including new turn lanes, passing lanes, bridge repairs, and a future walking/biking trail, will benefit the region in the long term.

The details

The closure will affect the stretch of highway from south of Blue Earth County Road 57 in Mankato to just south of the Minnesota River Bridge in St. Peter. Through traffic will be detoured to Highways 14 and 169 during the construction period. The project scope includes the addition of new turn lanes and passing lanes, repairing and replacing bridges, improving lighting at intersections, installing snow fences, and designing a future walking and biking trail.

  • The detour on Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter will begin on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Construction is expected to continue until fall 2026, though schedules remain subject to change based on weather and other factors.
  • In 2024, the project resulted in minor impacts to Highway 22 traffic. In 2025, work focused on the northern and southern ends of the highway, with traffic detoured to Highway 169.

The players

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

The state transportation agency responsible for managing the Highway 22 reconstruction project between Mankato and St. Peter.

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What’s next

The project aims to achieve several long-term benefits for the region, including a reduction in crashes at intersections and along Highway 22, as well as providing a smoother ride through improved pavement quality.

The takeaway

The Highway 22 reconstruction project between Mankato and St. Peter is a critical infrastructure investment that will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support the region's long-term growth and connectivity.