Parents and bus drivers transporting kids to school will need to plan for a detour at the south entrance to Perham.
An extensive improvement project at the intersection by Dean's Country Market and Dairy Queen is expected to begin the first week of September.
"They will leave the intersection open as long as they can," said Perham city administrator Bob Louiseau. "People coming to and going from school should anticipate somewhat of a delay."
The work, at the junction of Coney Street and County 8, will include new turning lanes, new right turn configuration, curb and gutter work and changing some entrance roads, said Louiseau.
Total project cost is about $400,000, said Louiseau. This phase of the project is paid entirely through a re-development grant from the State of Minnesota.
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The second phase of the project is to install a signal light at the intersection. However, the Minnesota Department of Transportation rejected the request because the current traffic counts and number of accidents at the location do not meet the state standards, which determine signal placement.
The city contends that the rapidly growing commercial area needs a stoplight for safety. The busy junction includes the Happel Addition and access to Pamida, Dairy Queen and other businesses on the west side.
Bremer Bank is open in the Happel Addition, and American Family just moved into new offices in the complex that will include the Dollar Store.
