Part of U.S. Highway 212 that was under a detour this year has now re-opened to traffic, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.

The $25.5 million construction project on the highway from Renville to Granite Falls has been completed, and detours were lifted Friday.

However, MnDOT said motorists should still watch out for work crews and heavy equipment along Highway 212, as they do cleanup and other punch-list items on the construction project.

Construction began on Highway 212 back in April. Crews were working to resurface a segment of highway running from about 2 miles east of Minnesota Highway 23 to County Road 6 in Renville. The project also included a westbound passing lane located between the cities of Granite Falls and Sacred Heart.

In addition, MnDOT reconstructed the highway within the city of Sacred Heart. Sidewalks and pedestrian ramps in Sacred Heart were updated to meet ADA standards, and two storm water ponds were added as part of storm sewer upgrades. MnDOT said a wet pond was planned south of Highway 212 east of Washington Avenue in Sacred Heart, and a dry pond was planned north of the highway between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue.