 If you live in the Brainerd area, you know that traffic can get congested along Highway 210 and down 6th Street. Beginning this winter, you'll begin to see major changes along Business Highway 371 through Brainerd. Clayton Castle has that story. Driving through Brainerd is typically nice and free of construction, but if you drive along 6th Street between Joseph Street and Highway 210, you will begin to see major changes coming as early as this winter. Last major improvement to the south 6th Street was back in 1957 when it was actually widened. So the center part of the road is also in that 60 to 70 year vintage and just really do for replacement. It's well outside the anticipated service life. In addition to the repavement of 6th Street, the project will also see a replacement of sewer and water pipes that are well over 100 years old, as well as widening parts of the street. With the necessity of digging at times 14 feet below the ground and mounting concerns about traffic, the Minnesota Department of Transportation held an open house on Tuesday evening to present the project and answer any questions the community may have. Of course it was our first real opportunity to present schedules in more detail than we've been able to in the past. Now when the major part of the project is set to begin in the spring, crews will begin their work on the south end here at Joseph Street and will finish up in the late fall on the north end here at Washington Street. Among the concerns is how the project will affect businesses along 6th Street and according to Brainerd's mayor, it will be up to the businesses to find creative ways to adapt. Well, the businesses during the construction are going to have to be a little bit inventive in how they deal with their customers, how they bring their customers in, have to talk to the customers and bring them through. Despite the possible issues, the mayor says the project is important for the vitality of Brainerd for years to come. Yes, we're going to have some inconveniences but we're also going to end up with a good project done. The project will basically make that thoroughfare viable for the next 40 to 50 years with no more work on it. The project will begin this winter with minor sidewalk repairs and tree cutting with the major road work beginning in April 2018. Reporting in Brainerd Clayton Castle, Lakeland News. The project is expected to be completed in the late fall of 2018. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.