News Release

WILLMAR, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation office in Willmar announced that the new lanes and interchanges of the Highway 71/23 Willmar bypass opened at 11:00 a.m. today (November 13).

Construction of the new two-lanes began with the bridge at Civic Center Drive on September 5, 2000, and was completed last spring. Construction of the second phase of the bypass began April 24, 2001.

Duininck Bros, Prinsburg, Minn., was the prime contractor of the $6.9 million grading and surfacing portion of the project. Lakeview Construction, Glenwood, Minn., was the prime contractor of the $1 million bridge portion of the construction.

Mn/DOT and project contractors thank motorists and area businesses for their patience during the project.

According to Jim Christensen, Mn/DOT project supervisor, crews will still be in the area removing the temporary connections and completing other portions of the project that may cause minor delays. Motorists are reminded to slow down for their safety and the safety of the workers.