After years of planning and preparation, the major Highway 5 corridor project through the southwest Metro Area is beginning in earnest. Starting Monday, April 6, motorists will encounter several detours as construction crews begin their work.

“The team is energized to be moving into this major phase of the project,” said Bob Meurer, senior project engineer and deputy project manager with consulting firm Bolton & Menk, Inc. “This is a significant milestone, and staff have been preparing for months to ensure we’re ready for the work ahead. There’s a strong sense of commitment and focus across the board, and everyone is prepared to work hard to deliver a successful outcome for the community.”

Preliminary work on the project began in January, according to Dan Franta, construction project engineer with Bolton & Menk, including early-stage site preparations.

“These initial efforts were focused on readying Highway 5 for the upcoming phases of construction, including the road closures that will be necessary for the project to move forward safely and efficiently,” Franta said.

To mentally prepare the traveling public for the busy construction season ahead, Carver County hosted three information meetings last Wednesday (March 25) at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, including sessions geared specifically toward businesses, school district leaders and regional transit partners. According to Mike Lindsay, senior communications specialist for Carver County Public Works, more than 400 people attended the gatherings.

2026 Season

The major impacts for motorists this spring and summer will occur along Highway 41 and Highway 13 (Rolling Acres Road/Bavaria).

“Beginning April 6, both Bavaria Road and Highway 41 north of Highway 5 will close to through traffic, weather permitting, and will remain closed through mid-summer 2026,” Franta reports.

Along Highway 41, the early-season closure will extend from Highway 5 to Tanadoona Drive.

“During this time, drivers will be detoured to Highway 5, Highway 41 south of Highway 5, and County Highway 18 (Lyman Boulevard),” Franta said. Local access will remain open for residents and businesses along that route.

Bavaria Road will close between Highway 5 and County Road 18 beginning April 6. Drivers will be detoured to Highway 5, Highway 7 and Rolling Acres Road.

“Properties in the 78th Street area will continue to use Kochia Lane for access, and properties on either side of the closure with no alternate route will be allowed through the work area as needed,” Franta reports. A separate local access map is available on the county’s website provides additional details.

“These closures mark the start of significant construction activity for the Highway 5 Improvements project,” Franta said. “Work will be progressing steadily throughout construction season, and these closures will allow crews to safely complete major elements of the project while maintaining clear and predictable detour routes for the public.”

In addition, beginning April 6, Highway 5 motorists will encounter a closure on the west side of downtown Victoria, at the Highway 11 intersection, as Victoria continues its improvement project. Traffic will be detoured along Stieger Lake Lane as work on new roundabouts is completed. Plans call for the intersection to reopen by early July.

2027 Season

In addition to the work on 41 and 13 during 2026, crews will be preparing the Highway 5 corridor in anticipation of the major closure in 2027.

All the roads along the corridor will be open for the winter of 2026-27, but in the spring of next year the bulk of the Highway 5 will get underway. The road closure between Highway 11 in Victoria to Highway 41 in Chanhassen will require detours around the project.

When completed, Highway 5 will expand to four lanes along that busy stretch. The project also includes safety improvements for people who walk, bike and roll in the area, including improved access and a safer crossing for the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.

According to Franta, other key elements of the project are intersection upgrades that will improve traffic flow and enhance safety; the reconstruction of Highway 13 (Rolling Acres Road/Bavaria Road) between Interlaken and 78th Street to calm traffic and create a safer environment for all users; a new entrance to the Arboretum; and new water-quality best management practices to collect and treat highway runoff.

“This project is very much about preparing Highway 5 and the surrounding communities for the long-term growth we’re seeing in this part of the county,” Frant explained. “The improvements underway are designed to support a safer, more efficient and more resilient transportation system for years to come. Together, these improvements will help the community flourish for everyone who uses it, now and into the future.”

Eric Johnson, Transportation Division leader with Bolton & Menk, estimated that during the evening rush hour it takes motorists an average of 24 minutes to travel from Interstate 494 to Victoria.

“When we’re done with Highway 5, that trip will take 18 minutes,” Johnson said. “So, we’re going to have a 25% reduction in travel time on that trip, because there will no longer be a bottleneck from Highway 41 going west.”

For more details on the project, check out the county’s project website.