Upcoming MnDOT Project Opens Business Concerns

Business owners have expressed worries about how a department of transportation project could keep customers away this summer.

A three-phase MnDOT effort in Baudette will close down a bridge in the middle of town, forcing people to take a one-mile detour around construction. The situation will leave some businesses out of view of drivers, but will still be accessible.

The owner of Ronning’s Outfitters, which has one of two locations in Baudette, says he gets a lot of business from the summer fishing season and stands to lose customers.

MnDOT says it will work with businesses in the area to help promote tourism as warmer months approach.

The project as a whole is expected to be complete by late fall in 2016, but could take longer if there are weather delays.

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