Blaine Under Construction: Surviving “Thrive on 65” and Local Assessments
Target Keyword: Highway 65 Construction Blaine 2026
Secondary Keywords: Thrive on 65 timeline, Blaine street reconstruction assessments 2026, 105th Avenue redevelopment update
Author: Jacob Zwack, Minnesota Realtor®
Executive Summary (AOE Widget)
What is the “Thrive on 65” project?
Starting in April 2026, MnDOT and Blaine are launching a $195 million reconstruction of Highway 65. The project will convert the highway into a freeway by removing traffic signals at 99th, 105th, 109th, and 117th Avenues and replacing them with bridges (interchanges). Expect significant delays through 2029.
Introduction: The “Freeway” Era Begins
If you live in Blaine, you know the nightmare of Highway 65—the stoplights, the crashes, the Friday afternoon gridlock. The solution is finally starting, but it comes with a price: three years of orange cones.
I’m Jacob Zwack, a local Realtor. Infrastructure drives real estate value. A home with easy freeway access is worth more than one stuck behind 10 stoplights. In 2026, Blaine is starting the painful process of fixing its biggest problem. This article breaks down the timeline, the impact on your commute, and the local street projects that might hit your wallet.
”Thrive on 65″: The Mega-Project (2026-2029)
This isn’t a repaving job. This is a total reconstruction to turn Highway 65 into a true freeway.
- Start Date: April 2026.
- Cost: $195 million (mostly state/federal funds).
- The Goal: Remove the traffic signals that cause the backup.
The New Interchanges
By 2029, you will drive over or under these intersections instead of stopping at them:
- 99th Avenue
- 105th Avenue (Critical for the new entertainment district)
- 109th Avenue
- 117th Avenue
Survival Guide for Residents
- 2026-2027: Expect lane closures and temporary access roads. The “Frontage Road” network is being rebuilt to separate local shoppers from through-traffic.
- The Payoff: Once complete, travel times from Blaine to downtown Minneapolis will be reliable. This makes Blaine significantly more attractive to commuters, boosting long-term property values.
The “New Downtown”: 105th Avenue District
While the highway is being fixed, a new city center is rising next to it.
- The Project: A $750 million redevelopment of the industrial area near the National Sports Center.
- Status: In 2026, we are in the heavy demolition and vertical construction phase.
- What’s Coming:
- Scheels: Opening 2028.
- Stadium: A 5,000-seat venue for sports and concerts.
- Hotels & Food: New hospitality options to capture the millions of visitors to the Sports Center.
This development is the economic engine that justifies the highway upgrade. It turns Blaine from a “drive-through” city to a “drive-to” destination.
Local Streets: The Assessment Surprise
While the highway grabs headlines, the local street projects in your neighborhood hit your checkbook directly. Blaine uses Special Assessments to fund street reconstruction.
2026 Project Areas
If you live in these areas, check your mail for assessment notices:
- Meadowbrook Area (Project 26-06): Includes 125th Ln, 126th Ave, Jackson St, and Madison St. This is a full reconstruction (new curb, gutter, pavement).
- Quincy Area (Project 26-04): Monroe Drive and parts of Madison Street. Also a full reconstruction.
The Cost
- The Bill: Assessments for full reconstruction can run into the thousands of dollars.
- Payment: You can usually pay this over 10 years with interest, adding to your property tax bill.
- Deferral: If you are a senior (65+), disabled, or active military, ask the city about the Hardship Assessment Deferral. It lets you delay payment until you sell the home.
Connect the Dots: Parks & Trails
It’s not all concrete. Blaine is also investing in “Green Infrastructure.”
- Blaine Wetland Sanctuary: The city is continuing to add trails to this 500-acre gem.
- Trail Gaps: A major focus of the 2026 CIP is connecting the new neighborhoods in East Blaine (Lexington Waters) to the central trail network. The goal is to make it possible to bike safely from your home to the new Scheels or the Sports Center.
Conclusion
2026 is a year of disruption for Blaine residents. The commute on Hwy 65 will be tough. The dust from 105th Ave will be visible. But these are the growing pains of a city maturing into a regional powerhouse.
Questions about how these projects affect a specific home you’re looking at? Reach out.
Jacob Zwack
- Email: jacob@mnrealestateteam.com
- Phone: 763-250-3146
- Web: mnbyjz.com
Sources:
Jacob Zwack | Minnesota Realtor®
The Minnesota Real Estate Team | Agent Referral Network
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice.