Alexandria, Douglas County continue talks on Highway 29 redesign

Alexandria and Douglas County officials are continuing discussions over a redesign of Highway 29 that could change how drivers reach some businesses along the corridor.

The segment under discussion extends from 8th Avenue in downtown Alexandria to 50th Avenue. One proposal includes a median that could prevent vehicles from turning left directly into certain business entrances.

The changes were discussed at a joint city-county meeting reported April 21, 2026. City officials, county commissioners and transportation officials were weighing the corridor design as discussions continued with affected businesses and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Potential changes for drivers and businesses

A median on part of Highway 29 could alter how customers and other drivers approach businesses between downtown Alexandria and 50th Avenue. Vehicles traveling along the corridor could be unable to cross opposing traffic to make a direct left turn into some entrances if that part of the proposal moves forward.

Access to individual businesses remains tied to the final design. The county’s report identified concerns about left turns into some businesses, but it did not identify every potentially affected entrance.

The proposed access change is part of a broader redesign involving road and pedestrian improvements. That means the project is being considered not only as a change to vehicle movements, but also as work affecting how people move along the corridor.

Officials facing a June deadline

City and county officials were expected to agree on the final project details by June 22, 2026. The deadline gives Alexandria, Douglas County, the state and affected businesses a point by which the design and access questions were expected to be resolved.

The Highway 29 median remained a proposal at the time of the April meeting, rather than a confirmed construction decision. The meeting report did not establish construction dates, final traffic-control details or the complete list of businesses that could be affected.

Douglas County’s transportation work in Alexandria has also included other infrastructure projects. In a prior county board record from Aug. 5, 2025, the county identified active road and crossing work in the city, including a CPKC crossing near Discovery Middle School.

For Highway 29, the next key point identified by officials was the June 22 deadline for agreement on final project details. Until that design is settled, the effect on specific entrances and traffic movements remains unsettled.