Bailey Hovland / May 7, 2020
The virtual open house from the Minnesota Department of Transportation will provide participants with information about the project to complete a four-lane section on Highway 23 from New London to Paynesville. The virtual event will be available from July 13 to July 27.
A virtual open house for the Highway 23 South Gap project starts July 13. Construction to complete a four-lane section on Highway 23 from New London to Paynesville is expected to begin in 2023.
WILLMAR — An online virtual open house for the Highway 23 South Gap project to complete the four-lane from New London to Paynesville will be hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation from July 13 to July 27.
According to a news release from MnDOT, the open house will provide participants with information about the project, including the current roadway layout, and allow them to ask questions and give feedback.
The project is funded by a May 2018 bonding bill passed by Minnesota Legislature to improve the Minnesota Highway 23 north and south gaps. The North Gap is on Highway 23 from Paynesville to Richmond, and construction will begin in 2022 and finish in two construction seasons. Construction in the South Gap from New London to Paynesville is slated to begin in 2023 and take two construction seasons to finish. Both projects will improve roadway capacity, travel times, and interstate access to west-central Minnesota motorists.
Minnesota Department of Transportation District 8 in Willmar is the lead on the projects and is currently working on the design of the roadway, acquiring land, and securing permits. The open house details and more information are posted on the project web page at www.dot.state.mn.us/d8). To view, click on “projects” and scroll down to “Highway 23 — Gaps.” Community members are invited to peruse at their own convenience.