The Highway 23 Coalition is committed to keeping our community informed about developments that impact travel along this critical corridor. Recently, the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) concerning a detour route for the upcoming Highway 23 construction project. Here's everything you need to know about the Highway 23 detour.
Project Overview
Starting in August 2025, MnDOT will begin significant construction on Highway 23 south of Willmar. This project, expected to last until November 2025, will cover the stretch from County Road 5 to U.S. Highway 71. The planned work includes:
- Grading
- Bituminous and concrete surfacing
- Installation of guardrails
This project is part of a broader effort to repave Highways 23 and 71, enhancing road safety and driving conditions from west of Willmar to the end of the bypass at the Business Highway 71 split. The overall project has an estimated cost of $20.9 million, reflecting the scale and importance of these infrastructure improvements.
Highway 23 Detour Details
To accommodate construction, a detour route has been established:
- Primary Detour Route: U.S. Highway 71 and County Road 3 will serve as the main detour between Raymond and Willmar.
- Additional Detours: MnDOT also plans to implement detours for other projects in the area:
- Highway 23 near Raymond: Turn lane construction at County Road 1 from April to July 2025. Drivers will use County Roads 3 and 5, with trucks detouring via Highway 7 through Clara City.
- Highway 71 near Svea: Turn lane construction at County Road 3, with drivers using County Road 5 and Highway 7 as alternate routes.
Kandiyohi County will receive $56,976 in state funding to support road maintenance along the detour routes during this period.
Community Impact and Coalition's Role
While construction projects of this magnitude can cause temporary inconveniences, they are vital for long-term safety, efficiency, and economic growth. The Highway 23 Coalition continues to advocate for infrastructure investments that support regional connectivity and community well-being.
We encourage travelers to plan accordingly, stay updated on project timelines, and exercise caution when navigating detour routes. The Coalition will provide ongoing updates to ensure you have the latest information on traffic patterns and construction progress.
Information for this blog was sourced from the West Central Tribune article written by Levi Jones on February 4, 2025.