Governor Walz, Senators Klobuchar and Smith, Rep. Craig Join Local Leaders for Jordan Interchange Groundbreaking
By Ryan Dahnert
On Wednesday, local, state, and federal leaders gathered in Jordan to break ground on a long-anticipated infrastructure project: the construction of a new interchange at the intersection of U.S. Highway 169, State Highway 282, and County Road 9. The project aims to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and reconnect the community, which has been divided by Highway 169 for decades.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who helped secure $16 million in federal funding for the project, spoke at the ceremony. “For far too long, Highway 169 has divided the City of Jordan, separating businesses from homes,” she said. She was joined by U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Representative Angie Craig, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, along with local leaders, all of whom emphasized the project's significance for regional connectivity and economic development .
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), in partnership with Scott County and the City of Jordan, will lead the construction, which began in the spring of 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in 2027. The project includes building two bridges—one over Highway 169 and another over the Union Pacific railroad tracks—two roundabouts, a pedestrian tunnel, sidewalks, retaining walls, and noise walls. These improvements aim to enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and to accommodate future growth in the area .
The new interchange design, approved by MnDOT and Scott County in July 2023, features Highway 282 and County Road 9 traversing over Highway 169. This configuration allows for the preservation of existing commercial spaces and provides better access for local businesses .
Residents can expect some traffic impacts during construction, including lane reductions and detours. MnDOT will provide regular updates and encourages the public to stay informed through their project website .
For more information and to sign up for project alerts, visit MnDOT’s project page.
The full groundbreaking ceremony can be watched here courtesy of KARE11 News (programs begins at the 11:33 mark of the video).
“For far too long, Highway 169 has divided the City of Jordan, separating businesses from homes”...I have lived on the north side of 169 for 26 years without a problem; we just had a stoplight to contend with. The new design will bridge 169, but will include....a stoplight on the south side of it. The real positive will be the safety aspect of it, as there have been numerous deaths at that intersection.