Shakopee, Minn. – Construction to reduce congestion and create a third southbound lane between County Road 21 and County State Aid Highway 83 in Shakopee is expected to begin in April. The project, which is anticipated to be completed in August, is being led and funded entirely by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC).

As part of the project, the southbound Highway 169 shoulder will be reconstructed to add an additional driving lane prior to the County Highway 83 exit. To minimize disruption, both existing lanes and the exit ramp will be open to traffic during this project.

When complete, this one-mile stretch of road will contain a new driving lane with a 10-foot shoulder all the way to the County Road 83 exit ramp. Currently, southbound 169 drops from three lanes to two lanes one mile before the heavily used County Road 83 exit. The new road will carry three lanes all the way to the exit ramp. The additional lane will make it easier and safer for residents, workers and visitors to access the region south of the Minnesota River.

The $1.5 million project is the latest of the SMSC’s contributions to local infrastructure in Shakopee and Prior Lake. Since 2010 alone, the SMSC has given nearly $2.5 million for Scott County infrastructure improvements and to Scott County-based organizations.