John O'Brien | Local News | News | Wadena-Deer Creek

By CJ Baumgartner |

Wadena construction: work begins on Highway 71 in early August

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BAXTER, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin roadwork on Highway 71 in Wadena in early August, continuing work that began earlier this summer on Highway 29. MnDOT crews will finish storm sewer and sidewalk improvements on Highway 29 through early August before shifting operations to Highway 71 between Aldrich Avenue and Franklin Avenue. Work on both highways is expected to continue into early September, when resurfacing and final improvements will be completed.

Crews will also close the Wadena County Road 75 access south of Highway 10 to reconstruct the connection between the highway and the railroad. A detour will be in place Aug. 10 through late August using Highway 10, Highway 71 and Highway 29. Large vehicles should follow the signed truck detour via Second Street SW between Highway 29 and Highway 10.

Improvements include:

  • Storm sewer upgrades
  • Sidewalk and pedestrian ramp updates
  • Replacement of the traffic signal at Highway 29
  • Removal of the signal at Bryant Avenue
  • Installation of pedestrian signals at Aldrich Avenue and Bryant Avenue

What to expect through the Highway 71 work zone:

  • One lane will remain open in each direction.
  • Expect narrow lanes, closed shoulders, reduced speeds, lane shifts and flaggers.
  • By June 24, the signal at Bryant Avenue will be taken out. In its place, stop signs will control both directions of Bryant Avenue, allowing drivers to make right turns only onto Highway 71 during construction.
  • A short-term truck detour will be required to navigate the Highway 29/Highway 71 intersection area. Large vehicles: use Second Street SW between Highway 29 and Highway 10.
  • Wadena businesses will remain open, but access may temporarily change.
  • Some sidewalks will close. Pedestrians should follow posted signs.

Construction on Highway 10 between 620th Avenue and Oink Joint Road will continue through fall. Motorists can expect head-to-head traffic with lane shifts, narrow shoulders and multiple active work areas.

When complete in August 2027, travelers will enjoy a new expanded four-lane highway through Wadena with roundabouts, updated underground services and improved pedestrian access.

For more Wadena construction information, detour maps and to sign up for email updates, visit the project webpage: www.mndot.gov/d3/projects/wadena.

For current road conditions and detours on Minnesota highways, visit 511mn.org or get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.