Minnesota Department of Transportation crews get to work Wednesday on building a concrete median barrier along a ¾-mile-long stretch of Hwy. 10 that runs through Anoka.

The $1.1 million project led by Anoka County is aimed at discouraging pedestrians from crossing in the middle of the block and to use crosswalks at signalized intersections. It also includes a new sidewalk between Fairoak Avenue and Main Street that is compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards and a bicycle and pedestrian path along the north side of Hwy. 10 between Verndale Avenue and Fairoak Avenue.

A third component includes widening and restriping the frontage road on the south side of Hwy. 10 between Fairoak Avenue and Cutters Lane to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The project is expected to be complete by mid-October. Until then, motorists can expect left lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily through Sept. 17 (except Sundays) between Main Street and Thurston Avenue.