Original article published July 5, 2023 by Dale Morin from the West Central Tribune.
WILLMAR — Construction will begin July 10 at the intersection of Kandiyohi County Road 5 and Minnesota Highway 23 outside Willmar to construct three access ramps.
The project is expected to be complete by Oct. 6, 2023, pending weather conditions and other unforeseeable circumstances, according to a news release from the Minnesota Department of Transportation . The project is estimated to cost about $2.5 million, and Duininck Inc. is the contractor.
According to the news release, the impact to motorists will be minimal because much of the work will take place off the roadway. However, travelers can expect shifting shoulder and lane closures throughout the duration of the project.
Motorists should allow for extra time during peak traveling periods.
Traffic barriers will be placed as early as July 5 to protect the work zone. Motorists should watch out for workers and heavy equipment entering and exiting the roadway, according to the release.
Access to the existing southeast ramp onto Highway 23 will not be affected, according to the release.
The first stage of the project will include construction of ramps at the northeast and southwest ramps at the intersection. The 19th Avenue Southwest intersection will not be affected.
The second stage of the project will build a third northwest ramp at the intersection. During the second stage, the existing 19th Avenue Southwest intersection will allow right turns only for westbound traffic.
That intersection will close permanently at the completion of the northwest ramp.
Once the ramps are completed, Highway 23 will be resurfaced from the west end to the east end of the project, according to the release. A flagging operation will guide motorists through the work zone during paving, expected mid- to late September.
More information can be found at the project website at www.dot.state.mn.us/d8/projects/hwy23willmar .