Highway 61 Study

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the City of Hastings are teaming up to improve Highway 61 from 4th Street to 36th Street.

The study analyzed all modes of travel like cars, bikes, walkers, and heavy vehicles. Our shared goal is for this corridor to work efficiently and be safe for all.

MnDOT Highway 61 Hastings Project webpage

What’s New

On April 21, 2025, MnDOT’s South Area Manager, Bryant Ficek, gave an update to the City Council.

• The bulk of construction will start in 2028, with minor work beginning as early as late fall of 2027
• The project will focus on TH-61 from 4th Street to Highway 316
• Highway 61 from Highway 316 to 36th Street will now be part of a separate project anticipated in 2029.
• The project has currently secured approximately two-thirds of the funding necessary for construction

You can learn more about what’s coming, how we’ll handle traffic during construction, and how we’ll keep talking with the community as we move into the design phase.

Executive Summary of the Study

MnDOT Presentation Video

Highway 61 April 21, 2025 Presentation Slides

The Project So Far

June 5, 2023

Shared new ideas for Highway 61 after hearing from people in the community.
View the Highway 61 June 5, 2025 Council Memo
View the June 5, 2025 Presentation to Council - begins at 37-minute mark

February 21, 2023

Discussed the first designs and invited everyone to an Open House on March 7 at City Hall.
View the Highway 61 February 21, 2023 Presentation Slides

View the February 21, 2023 Presentation to Council

July 5, 2022

Shared what we found in the first portion of our study.
View the April 18, 2022 Presentation

August 24, 2022

Held an open house to show some early concepts.
Review the open house concepts. 

Stay Informed

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