Pelican Rapids Paving Toward the Future

By Heather Rule, photos provided

Detours, construction and roundabouts, oh my! Pelican Rapids is in the middle of some much-needed road construction projects spanning multiple years. The goal is to have everything done by fall of 2025, a schedule that is also weather-dependent.

The city and state have combined efforts for various construction projects, including water line replacements underneath roads, resurfacing roads, taking out two stop lights and adding in two roundabouts. This summer, there will be some more work on U.S. Hwy. 59 north, although the bulk of the work will be on the east-west road of Minnesota State Hwy. 108.

“Pelican already looked different from maybe what they thought five years ago,” said Jordan Grossman, community and business development specialist. “And it’s going to look even more different after this.

“There’s things to do when you’re here instead of just driving through.”

Pelican Rapids is still open and bustling with activity. Travelers making their way from Fargo, for instance, to the lake are still encouraged to come through Pelican Rapids to purchase their lake necessities.

This year, they’ll work on having better placement for signage, helping to make drivers more aware of them as they pass. There are also signs for parking, and though it might not be where people normally park their cars, there’s still an abundance of public parking when visiting the town.

With many businesses located along Hwy. 59, they’re also still accessible for customers. Don’t let the road construction deter you from patronizing their businesses.

“There will be a place for you to park and access your local business,” Grossman said. “They are all still open and will be open (this) summer. No one’s closing their doors.”

The detours and construction don’t necessarily add a ton of extra time in order to get from point A to point B in town, although with detours a block or two off the main highways in residential areas, speed limits are lower.

“You don’t have to plan ahead as far as leaving early,” Grossman said. “It’s just more or less paying attention to signage.”

The biggest message is to check out the PR Find Your Path on Facebook for construction updates https://www.facebook.com/pelicanrapids.findyourpath/, or even call city hall for updates. Pelican Rapids is open for business.