Priority Projects

Focus Drives Success

The Highway 23 Coalition remains steadfast in its mission to enhance safety, connectivity, and economic development along the Highway 23 Corridor. Our commitment to a 4-lane Highway 23 has driven significant progress over the years, with milestones like the South Gap Project nearing completion and the North Gap Project already accomplished. These achievements reflect the Coalition's dedication to advancing our shared vision.

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Current Accomplishments

2024 Project Progress

2026 Coalition Priority Projects Overview

Building on the foundation laid in previous years, the 2026 Priority Projects continue to focus on critical areas that will bring us closer to realizing a fully connected 4-lane Highway 23. These projects represent a continuation of our strategic efforts to address safety, accessibility, and economic growth.

4-Lane Feasibility Study: Granite Falls to Marshall
4-Lane Feasibility Study: Foley to Hinckley
4-Lane Extension from HWY 71 to Kandiyohi County Road 5

Progress Through Persistence

While the 2026 priorities align closely with those of recent years, this continuity underscores the complexity and scale of these transformative projects. Each year brings new opportunities to refine plans, secure funding, and engage stakeholders. The Coalition has been actively working behind the scenes to address challenges, advocate for resources, and ensure that these projects remain on track.

Priority Project 1:
4-Lane Extension SW of Willmar from Highway 71 to Kandiyohi County Road 5

This priority is a continuation from the previous year, building on the progress already made.

There is currently a four-lane highway up to Highway 71, but not further west. The goal remains to convert the approximately 2.5-mile stretch of Highway 23 from two-lane to four-lane. The timing of this project continues to be appropriate for several reasons, including:

The 2.5-mile stretch already has the base in place, no right of way would be needed.
The utilities have already been relocated.
Ramps on County 5 were completed in 2023 as part of MnDOT's regular program.

Priority Project 2:
Preferred Route Study from Foley to I-35

This priority builds upon the efforts initiated in the previous year, continuing the focus on addressing critical safety concerns along this stretch of the Highway 23 Corridor. According to data from the Street Light Program, 17 intersections within the corridor are above the critical crash rate, with five of these located in the 53 miles between Foley and I-35.

The Coalition remains committed to advancing equity and inclusion while working to provide safe road access across all of Minnesota. This stretch of the corridor is particularly significant, as it includes four of the eight poorest counties in the state.

Priority Project 3:
Preferred Route Study from Marshall to Granite Falls

This priority builds on the progress made in the previous year, continuing the focus on the 28-mile stretch between Marshall and Granite Falls. The study remains a critical step toward achieving the long-term goal of linking a four-lane Highway 23 to Highway 212 in Granite Falls.

This connection is vital for improving regional accessibility, enhancing safety, and supporting economic growth in the area. By maintaining momentum on this project, the Coalition aims to address key transportation needs while laying the groundwork for a more connected and efficient corridor.

2024 & 2025 Coalition Priority Projects Overview

4-Lane Extension SW of Willmar from Highway 71 to Kandiyohi County Road 5
Preferred Route Study from Foley to I-35
Preferred Route Study from Marshall to Granite Falls

Priority Project 1

Priority Project 2

Priority Project 3

Priority Project 1

4-Lane Extension SW of Willmar from Highway 71 to Kandiyohi County Road 5

This project was added to the 2023 Highway 23 Coalition Priority Projects list. At the time, there was a 4-lane highway up to Highway 71, but not further west, and the goal was to convert the approximately 2.5-mile stretch of Highway 23 from 2-lane to 4-lane. The timing of this project was deemed appropriate for several reasons, including the fact that the 2.5-mile stretch already had the base in place, no right of way was needed, the utilities had already been relocated, and ramps on County 5 were completed in 2023 as part of MnDOT's regular program.

Priority Project 2

Preferred Route Study from Foley to I-35

There were 17 intersections within the Highway 23 Corridor that were above the critical crash rate according to data from the Street Light Program. Five of the 17 intersections were in the 53 miles from Foley to I-35. The Coalition also strived to support equity and inclusion and worked to provide access to safe roads across all of Minnesota.

Priority Project 3

Preferred Route Study from Marshall to Granite Falls

The goal of the preferred route study was to focus on the 28-mile stretch between Marshall and Granite Falls. The priority project was intended to accomplish the goal of linking a four-lane Highway 23 to Highway 212 in Granite Falls.