Minnesota Department of Transportation

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News releases

April 21, 2025

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Highway 27 north of Hillman bridge work, detour begins April 28

BAXTER Minn. – Those who travel on Highway 27 north of Hillman will encounter the road closed and detoured as work begins Monday, April 28, to replace a bridge over a stream just east of Morrison County Road 8 and 12 miles west of Onamia, reports the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The $1.5 million project will replace the Highway 27 bridge, built in 1960; resurface the road approaches; revise the signal approach system at Morrison County Road 8; and update shoulder barriers/railing and ditch slope.

Hwy 27 detour Hillman to Onamia
View full-size Hwy 27 Hillman to Onamia detour map.

What to expect

  • Detour April 28 to early June — Highway 27 will have a hard closure between Morrison County Road 8 and 380th Avenue. Motorists will follow a signed detour along Morrison County Road 8 Hillman, Morrison County Road 39/Mille Lacs County Road 21 and Highway 169 Onamia.
  • Access will be open and maintained north and south of the bridge closure. Locals may want to find alternate routes nearest their destination.
    • Crews will work sunrise to sunset on weekdays. Those who travel in the area can expect crews at work along the shoulder and flaggers with alternate one-way traffic.

When open in early June, travelers will benefit from a new bridge to last 60-plus years, a smoother road surface and improved motorist safety.

For more information, visit the Highway 27 project webpage at mndot.gov/d3/projects/h27northhillman.

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