MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Summer Road Projects Continue Across Anoka County as Closures, Bridge Work and Street Improvements Reshape Regional Travel

ANOKA, MN (June 26, 2026) Summer construction season continues to reshape travel throughout Anoka County as highway reconstruction, bridge replacement and neighborhood street improvement projects advance across multiple communities, bringing temporary detours and traffic restrictions while laying the foundation for longer-term transportation improvements.

From a full closure on Sims Road in East Bethel and Oak Grove to major reconstruction on Mississippi Street in Fridley, the reopening of a rebuilt bridge in Oak Grove and residential street rehabilitation in Anoka, county and municipal officials are urging motorists to plan ahead and expect changing traffic patterns throughout the construction season.

The projects are part of broader infrastructure investments by Anoka County and local governments aimed at preserving aging transportation assets, improving safety, modernizing roadways and supporting future growth across one of Minnesota's fastest-growing suburban regions.

Sims Road Closed for Roadway Foundation Reconstruction

One of the most significant travel impacts remains on Sims Road NW (County Road 86), where a full closure continues east of University Avenue as crews undertake extensive roadway foundation work.

According to the Anoka County Highway Department, the closure extends approximately 1,300 feet east of University Avenue and began in mid-June as part of County Project CP 24-24-86.

The work is focused on correcting unstable subsurface soils before reconstruction of the roadway. Construction activities include removing deteriorated bituminous pavement, operating dewatering pumps to stabilize groundwater conditions and excavating unsuitable materials beneath the existing roadway to establish a stronger foundation for the new pavement.

County engineers say addressing these underlying soil conditions is essential to extending the lifespan of the reconstructed roadway and reducing future maintenance needs.

Motorists are advised to follow the signed detour and avoid the construction area whenever possible.

Mississippi Street Modernization Advances in Fridley

Another major project continues along Mississippi Street (County Highway 6) between East River Road (County Highway 1) and University Avenue (Trunk Highway 47) in Fridley.

The corridor is undergoing a comprehensive reconstruction through a partnership between Anoka County and the City of Fridley, replacing aging pavement while improving traffic operations and pedestrian infrastructure.

The project includes reconstruction of the roadway beneath the railroad bridge, installation of new sidewalks, expanded turn lanes, upgraded drainage infrastructure and replacement of deteriorating concrete pavement.

According to the county's latest weekly construction update, contractors have completed significant concrete pavement work and continue placing Class 5 aggregate base, installing concrete curb and gutter and preparing the corridor for final asphalt paving.

The roadway is expected to remain closed to through traffic until approximately mid-August, with motorists directed to follow the signed regional detour.

County officials continue to encourage drivers to allow additional travel time while the project remains in its heaviest construction phase.

Rum River Boulevard Bridge Reopens

In northern Anoka County, motorists can once again travel across Rum River Boulevard (County Highway 7) following completion of the primary construction phase of the Seelye Brook Bridge Replacement Project in Oak Grove.

The project replaced an aging timber bridge originally constructed in 1984 with a new prestressed concrete beam bridge, providing greater structural durability and a longer expected service life.

The bridge replacement was completed through Minnesota's Local Bridge Replacement Program and restores a key transportation connection for residents traveling between Oak Grove neighborhoods and surrounding communities.

Although the roadway has reopened, county officials note that motorists may still encounter brief, localized disruptions while contractors complete final restoration work, roadside grading, seeding and other remaining punch-list items before the project is formally closed.

Neighborhood Street Improvements Continue in Anoka

Within the City of Anoka, work also continues on the 2026 Street Surface Improvement Project, focusing on the Mineral Ponds and Sandra Terrace neighborhoods.

The City Council approved the construction contract earlier this year as part of the city's annual pavement preservation program, which is designed to improve neighborhood streets before more extensive deterioration occurs.

The project includes asphalt resurfacing, localized curb and gutter replacement, storm sewer improvements, spot utility repairs, sidewalk reconstruction to improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and pavement restoration throughout the affected neighborhoods.

Construction crews have progressed through utility adjustments, sidewalk replacement, pavement preparation and resurfacing, with final pavement markings, restoration work and landscaping expected as the project moves toward completion.

City officials say the improvements are intended to improve drainage, extend pavement life and reduce long-term maintenance costs while enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and residents throughout the neighborhoods.

As part of the city's long-term capital financing strategy, Anoka plans to incorporate its share of eligible construction costs into future municipal bonding for public infrastructure projects, consistent with its capital improvement planning process.

Building a More Resilient Transportation Network

Collectively, the projects illustrate the scale of infrastructure investment taking place throughout Anoka County as local governments work to modernize transportation systems built decades ago.

Many of the current improvements address aging pavement, deteriorating bridges, outdated drainage systems and roadway designs that no longer reflect today's traffic volumes or development patterns.

County officials publish weekly construction updates throughout the construction season to help residents monitor project schedules, detours and traffic impacts, while municipal governments continue providing neighborhood-specific updates as work progresses.

Officials are reminding motorists to reduce speeds in work zones, remain alert for construction workers and equipment, obey temporary traffic control devices and allow additional travel time when traveling through active construction areas.

Active Construction Projects at a Glance

Residents can obtain the latest construction schedules, detour maps and weekly progress reports through the Anoka County Highway Department and the City of Anoka Public Works Department, both of which provide regular online updates throughout the construction season.

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