As of June 16, the new frontage road dubbed “Energy Drive” is now open. This road connects Liberty lane to Co. Rd. 8 through the Business Park.

Before Energy Drive was constructed the only way to reach Co. Rd. 8 from the Business Park was to get on to Hwy. 10 for a short distance. This could lead to high traffic especially in the summer.

“I am just thrilled with how the project turned out. Our goal was to make the Business Park even more attractive to future businesses and local expansions while making sure commercial traffic could coexist safely with residential traffic. Energy Drive does just that,” says Mayor Tracy Bertram.

The State of Minnesota had awarded a grant to the project in 2018 and Becker started construction in the summer of 2019. Energy Drive will provide easier access to Co. Rd. 8 and I-94 for businesses located in the Park reducing the traffic on Hwy. 10, making for a safer, less congested traffic corridor. As business expansion continues within the Park, the improved transportation routes are essential to continued growth along with water and sewer infrastructure that were also added.

While Energy Drive is open and ready for business, some people may just be happy that the Co. Rd. 8 detour is no more.