Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 71, Hwy 29—Wadena

Wadena County

Take the Try Out survey

You're invited to walk, bike or drive through the Hwy 71 (E Jefferson St.) demonstration project set up between Aldrich Ave. and Bryant Ave. in downtown Wadena Aug. 15–Sept. 27.

Decorative: Take the Try Out Survey
Select image to Take the Try Out survey

Wadena trial project

Here’s what you'll experience:

  • Traffic signal at Hwy 71 and Bryant Ave. is turned off and partially removed so motorists don't have to make unnecessary stops
  • Stop signs added on Bryant Ave. at Hwy 71; intersection functions as a through- or two-way stop
  • Pedestrian crosswalk flashing signals at Bryant Ave. and Aldrich Ave. with extended sidewalk approaches; motorists prompted to stop for those crossing Hwy 71

Feedback from the community is important and the survey results will assist MnDOT configure the intersection in the 2025 construction project.

Photo of temporary set-up in downtown Wadena - shows push buttons for the pedestrian crossing sigal

Contact: Ken Hansen, Traffic Engineer, 218-820-8341

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL, foreign language interpreter or other reasonable accommodation, or need documents in an alternative format, please email your request to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720.

 

 

About this 2025 project

MnDOT will improve segments of Hwy 71/Jefferson St. and Hwy 29/Colfax Ave. S in Wadena.

Hwy 71, Hwy 29 project map
Hwy 71, Hwy 29 in Wadena. Select image to enlarge

Summary of work

Hwy 71

  • Resurface from Franklin Ave. S to Aldrich Ave. S and update sidewalks and approaches, includes signal systems at the Hwy 71 intersections of Hwy 29/Colfax Ave. S and Bryant Ave. S
  • Reconstruct from Birch Ave. N and Elm Ave. N, includes underground city utilities and storm sewers
  • Resurface (mill and overlay) from Elm Ave. N to half-mile north of Alfred St. N and replace or repair underground structures, includes a continuous center left-turn lane through Alfred St. and a proposed city trail

Hwy 29

  • Resurface (mill and overlay) from the Otter Tail/Wadena county line to Hwy 71/Jefferson St. S
  • Update pedestrian sidewalk and ramps

Future impacts

  • Motorists: Road closures with detours or lane closures
  • Pedestrians: Sidewalk closures, detours
  • Access will be open and maintained