Prepare for detours as Highway 71 and Highway 10 in Wadena close
BAXTER, Minn. – Starting the week of July 7, those who travel through Wadena should prepare for delays as segments of Highway 71 and Highway 10 close and detour, reports the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Here’s what to expect:
Highway 71 through traffic
- Detour July 7 to late August: Crews will first prepare work areas and set up the detour route, then close Highway 71 between Highway 10 and Juniper Avenue to work on underground utilities, reconstruct the road, remove the pedestrian tunnel at the old hospital and update sidewalks.
- Motorists will be directed to detour (PNG) via Highway 10, Wadena County Road 20 (Second Street NW) and Juniper Avenue. Watch for a temporary all-way stop at County Road 20 and Juniper Avenue.
Highway 10 through traffic
- Detour July 8 to late August: Highway 10 will also close to through traffic between Highway 71 and Otter Tail County Road 75 to excavate and replace poor soils, install drainage pipes, construct the roadway and pave final concrete pavement.
- Motorists will be directed to detour (JPG) via Highway 71, Highway 29 and Otter Tail County Road 75
Access will be open and maintained for those who live, work or visit within the closed work zone. Expect changes to access, gravel or grooved road surfaces, flaggers, periodic stops and alternate one-way traffic. Please slow down, follow construction signs through the work zone and stay out of barricaded areas.
This work is part a three-year, $52 million project that will expand Highway 10 through Wadena to four lanes, plus resurface and improve Highways 29 and 71.
When complete in August 2027, travelers will benefit from a smoother, stronger and expanded four-lane highway; improved safety, access and traffic flow through Wadena; and updated underground infrastructure and city utilities.
For more Wadena construction information, detour maps and to sign up for email updates, visit the project webpage at mndot.gov/d3/projects/wadena.
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