Drivers heading north through East Bethel this weekend better brace for detours, as road work on Highway 65 is set to throw a wrench in travel plans. Starting at 10 p.m. tomorrow, May 3, MnDOT is closing down the northbound lanes between Klondike Dr. and 205th Ave, according to details from Anoka County's announcement. The closure, which is for the replacement of two culverts beneath the highway, will last until 6 a.m. on Monday, May 6.

The official detour will reroute northbound traffic: drivers will have to swing west on Viking Blvd., head north on Anoka Co. Rd. 13/Cedar Dr. Northwest, turn east on Anoka Co. Rd. 74, and then back to Hwy 65. Although southbound lanes on Hwy 65 remain open, those traveling east or west on Klondike Dr. have the green light to continue southbound; meanwhile, northbound traffic on Hwy 65 can go east on Klondike Dr. but not west, Local traffic and access to businesses between Viking Blvd. and Klondike Dr. won't be blocked, the announcement made clear.

For travelers who frequent this stretch of road, MnDOT suggests considering alternate routes—like I-35W or Hwy 47—to skirt the construction-related congestion and delays set to hit over the weekend. And in the always possible event of bad weather, the whole shebang could be postponed to a later date, with MnDOT promising to give everyone the heads up.

MnDOT's work is part of ongoing efforts to keep the arteries of our everyday commute well-maintained, the agency asking for the public's patience while these improvements are in progress, those who rely on real-time updates can check out 511 for construction and traffic updates. Remember, all construction activities and traffic impacts are at the mercy of the weather, and rescheduling is a card always in play.