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(Hear from Carver County Commissioners is a regular feature where Carver County commissioners share updates, insights, and messages with their communities. Commissioner John P. Fahey of District 5 is providing the current edition.)
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Carver County is in the midst of some of the most significant transportation improvements in our county’s history. These projects are designed to enhance safety and reduce congestion for decades to come.
Here’s what we’re doing to set up for another successful 2026 project season.
Highway 212
Construction continues on the Highway 212 project between Cologne and Norwood Young America. This partnership with local, state and federal agencies will expand Highway 212 from two lanes to four, closing the final gap between Glencoe and the Twin Cities.
Highway 212 is more than a road — it’s a vital freight corridor serving 22,000 square miles across southwestern Minnesota and South Dakota. These improvements will strengthen regional connectivity, improve safety and freight mobility with a new grade-separated interchange at Highway 51, and maintain traffic flow with one lane in each direction during construction.
The current closure for drivers to be aware of is Salem Avenue, which will remain closed until the summer of 2026. Learn more about this project, and stay informed by signing up for project updates at: carvercountymn.gov/Hwy212ProjectBenton.
J-Turn Project
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is leading a 2.5-mile safety improvement project on Highway 212, introducing a J-turn to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes. Construction begins in the spring of 2026 between Highway 5, Highway 25 and County Road 131.
Upcoming Public Meeting: Thursday, March 19, 4:30–6:30 p.m. in the Norwood Young America City Hall Council Chambers, 310 Elm Street West. The virtual presentation is available at: mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy212nya
Highway 5 Improvements
Work started last fall to expand Highway 5 from two to four lanes between Highway 41 and Victoria. This project will include pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades, a new trail crossing, and alignment with the Arboretum Area Transportation Plan to reduce congestion and enhance local connections.
Construction started up again in early February 2026 with utility relocation and tree clearing. Completion is expected in the fall of 2027. For more information about this project and to sign up for project updates, go online to: carvercountymn.gov/highway-5-improvement.
Merriam Junction Regional Trail
Scott County, in partnership with Carver County, the City of Carver and the Minnesota DNR, is transforming an abandoned rail bed into a regional multi-use trail connecting Scott and Carver counties across the Minnesota River. Construction on the Minnesota River Bridge will continue through the summer of 2026, with trail completion anticipated by 2027.
Three of four bridges are already 90 percent complete, including the 605-foot main river bridge. For updates on the Merriam Junction Regional Trail Project, visit: scottcountymn.gov/2036/Merriam-Junction-Regional-Trail.
These projects represent a major investment in Carver County’s future by improving safety and creating stronger connections for communities. Stay informed about construction, closures and detours by visiting our website to learn more: carvercountymn.gov.
(John P. Fahey is the Carver County commissioner for District 5, representing the cities of Norwood Young America, Carver, Cologne, New Germany and Hamburg, plus the townships of Dahlgren, San Francisco, Benton, Hancock, Camden, and Young America Township.)
