By Nathan Daggett / Assistant News Director

All lanes are now open on Highway 23 between Benton County Road 1 and Highway 95 east of St. Cloud. 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the $3.8 million project improved a new, safer access at Benton County Road 8. 

The project also:

• Resurfaced both directions of Highway 23 
• Upgraded the signal system at Highway 95/15th Street NE 
• Updated pedestrian access
• Installed a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) at Highway 23 and Benton County Road 8/35th Avenue NE

The RCI at Country Road 8 will reduce potential conflict points and improve safety as drivers will make a right turn followed by a U-turn.