Road Work Starting This Week on Pilot Knob and County Road 42 in Apple Valley
TLDR
Construction starts May 18 at Pilot Knob Road and Upper 147th Street West
A second project on County Road 42 at Garrett Avenue and Pilot Knob Road starts around July 21
Left turns from Upper 147th onto Pilot Knob are going away permanently — right-in, right-out only
New traffic signals, turn lanes, pedestrian countdown timers, and ADA curb ramps are coming to the CR 42 intersections
Expect lane restrictions and delays through September 2026
Heads up, Apple Valley. If you drive anywhere near Pilot Knob Road or County Road 42, your commute is about to change for a few months.
Dakota County and the City of Apple Valley are kicking off two road improvement projects this spring and summer. The goal is better safety, smoother traffic flow, and upgraded pedestrian access along two of the busiest corridors in the south metro.
Project 1: Pilot Knob Road at Upper 147th Street
This one starts first — construction is scheduled to begin May 18.
The big change here is permanent. Crews are installing a three-quarter-turn center median on Pilot Knob Road at Upper 147th Street West. Once it goes in, you won't be able to turn left from Upper 147th onto Pilot Knob anymore. It'll be right-in and right-out only.
If that sounds annoying, the county says it's a safety call. That intersection has had ongoing crash concerns, and eliminating the left turn is designed to fix it. The project also adds new turn lanes that should improve visibility for drivers making left turns from Pilot Knob itself.
Project 2: County Road 42 at Garrett Avenue and Pilot Knob Road
This one's tentatively starting July 21 and tackles two aging traffic signal systems along 150th Street West (that's County Road 42).
At the Garrett Avenue intersection, you're getting new dedicated left- and right-turn lanes, ADA-accessible curb ramps, audible pedestrian push buttons, and pedestrian countdown timers.
At the CR 42 and Pilot Knob Road intersection, the upgrades include a pedestrian refuge island (so you don't have to cross the whole road in one shot), new curb ramps, and the same audible push buttons and countdown timers.
These are the kinds of improvements that make a real difference if you walk, bike, or push a stroller near these intersections. The current signal equipment is outdated, and the county is bringing it up to modern standards.
What to Expect on Your Commute
Both projects are expected to wrap up by September 2026. During construction, expect periodic lane restrictions, traffic shifts, and possible delays. If you use Pilot Knob or CR 42 during rush hour, it might be worth finding an alternate route for the summer.
This is part of a larger pattern of improvements along the County Road 42 corridor that Dakota County has been working through over the past several years. The county completed its County Highway 42 Management Plan and has been rolling out projects from west to east — signal upgrades, resurfacing, turn lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure.
Apple Valley has also been investing heavily in its own infrastructure this year, including 15 park upgrades happening this summer. Between the parks construction and the road work, parts of the city are going to feel like one big construction zone. But when it's done, the intersections should be significantly safer and easier to navigate — especially on foot.
The Bottom Line
If you live or commute through the Pilot Knob and CR 42 area, mark your calendar. Construction starts this week (May 18) and runs through September. The left-turn restriction at Upper 147th is going to change traffic patterns permanently, so start planning your new route now.
For updates and project details, you can check the Dakota County transportation page or contact the county's project manager directly. You can also keep up with Apple Valley news on South Metro Scoop.
FAQ
When does construction actually start? The Pilot Knob/Upper 147th project starts May 18, 2026. The County Road 42 signal replacement work starts around July 21, 2026.
How long will this last? Both projects are expected to be done by September 2026.
Will the road be completely closed? No full closures are planned. Expect lane restrictions and periodic delays, but the roads should remain open to traffic throughout construction.
Is the left-turn restriction at Upper 147th permanent? Yes. Once the center median goes in, Upper 147th will be right-in, right-out only at Pilot Knob Road. This is a permanent safety change, not a temporary construction detour.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the project? Reach out to Dakota County Transportation at 952-891-7000 or email hwy@co.dakota.mn.us.
