20 | SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 ELK RIVER STAR NEWS
PROGRESS 2026
PHOTO BY JIM BOYLE
A panoramic view of the TH 169 interchange project shows orange barriers, detour signs and a billboard for Insurance Brokers of Minnesota in the center background as crews push toward substantial completion in 2026. This intersection has been dangerous for years, but once complete will provide much more efficient movement motorists on Highway 169 those drivers trying to cross it.
Water upgrades, Highway169 interchange, street rebuilds to highlight 2026
Wastewater: expansion of storage capacity in final permitting phase; construction expected mid- 2026
BY RANDY PIASECKI Zimmerman City Administrator
The City of Zimmerman is advancing a slate of infrastructure, development and community projects for 2026 aimed at supporting growth and improving quality of life for residents and businesses.
The city recently completed construction of a new water treatment facility, two wells and a 400,000-gallon water tower at the northern edge of the city limits. Officials say the improvements will balance the water distribution system and provide additional treatment and storage capacity for current users and future growth, with production capacity especially needed during the summer irrigation season. The city is also in the final permitting phase to expand wastewater treatment storage capacity, with construction expected to begin mid-2026.
PHOTO BY JIM BOYLE
Stop lights at the Highway 169 and County Road 4 intersection were removed March 23 as crews push ahead with the TH 169 interchange project, with a“ ROAD CLOSED” sign, orange barricades and an excavator on scene.
Sherburne County completed reconstruction of a portion of CSAH 4( Fremont Avenue) from the CH 45 intersection west to 10th Street West. Roundabouts have been constructed at the CH 45 and 10th Street West intersections to improve traffic flow on the CSAH 4 corridor. The project also includes a separated bituminous trail on the south side of CSAH 4, linking the CH 45 sidewalk and trails with neighborhoods to the west.
The TH 169 Interchange project began in August 2025 and is slated to be substantially complete in 2026. Construction started with utility relocations and new street accesses north and south of CSAH 4( Fremont Avenue). A southern access to the city off TH 169 is being built at 255th Avenue and will extend north to intersect Main Street on a 2nd Street East alignment. A second access point will be about one mile north of the interchange and extend 269th Avenue eastward to CH 45 for access to TH 169.
Interchange construction will elevate TH 169 over CSAH 4, with two roundabouts already built on CSAH 4 for entry to or exit from TH 169. An additional roundabout is planned early this summer at 2nd Street East, two blocks west of TH 169. Temporary signal lights and detour signage will guide residents around construction zones. A sound wall is planned on the east side of the highway, extending roughly 3,000 feet north of Oak Street. For project updates, residents can visit Hwy- 169andCR4. com.
Sherburne County will begin construction of a roundabout at the CSAH 4 and CH 46 intersection, just north of Westwood Elementary School, in June. The city will take the opportunity to extend a watermain and improve a segment of 136th Street north of the intersection in anticipation of additional growth.
Zimmerman plans to reconstruct streets and utilities on 3rd Avenue North and 10th Street West between CH 45 and
Key numbers, dates and milestones
• Water upgrades: new water treatment facility, two wells and a 400,000-gallon water tower completed at the northern edge of the city
• Wastewater: expansion of storage capacity in final permitting phase; construction expected mid-2026
• CSAH 4 reconstruction: portion from CH 45 to 10th Street West completed; roundabouts installed at CH 45 and 10th Street West; separated south-side trail added
• TH 169 Interchange: project began August 2025; substantial completion expected in 2026; new southern access at 255th Ave to Main Street( 2nd Street East alignment); northern access via 269th Ave east to CH 45 and TH 169
• Additional interchange work: roundabout at CSAH 4 and CH 46 planned for June 2026 near Westwood Elementary; watermain extension and 136th Street improvements north of the intersection
• 3rd Ave North and 10th Street West reconstruction: bidding expected May 2026; construction to be completed by November 2026
• Project website for updates: Hwy169andCR4. com
the CSAH 4 roundabout at 10th Street West. The project aims to replace aging utility lines, improve stormwater drainage with curb and gutter, and resurface streets. Bidding is expected in May, with construction anticipated to be completed by November.
Officials acknowledge that another year of significant roadway construction may cause frustration.
They say the long-term benefits— safer intersections, more predictable travel on the TH 169 corridor and easier travel overall— will be worth the temporary detours. Residents are asked to follow signed detours and directional routing through construction zones, and to stay updated through the city’ s communications channels.