News Release

WILLMAR, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Transportation, District 8, announced today that $14 million in scheduled Highway 212 improvements between Olivia and Hector will begin next week.

According to Dave Johnston, Mn/DOT Region Engineer in Hutchinson, it is anticipated that phase one will begin early next week with the reconstruction between the east city limits of Bird Island to the west city limits of Hector. Plans call for reconstruction, including a passing lane, concrete paving, bituminous shoulders and lighting. It will be necessary to detour motorists during the project. The detour route will be Highway 4 and Renville County Roads 4 and 5. The detour route adds approximately 10 miles.

Phase two will start the week of May 28 in Olivia. Plans call for reconstruction, concrete paving and water and sewer construction from east junction of Highway 71 to 0.4 miles east of Renville County Road 14. According to Johnston, when phase two begins it will be necessary to close Highway 212 between Hector and Olivia. The detour route will change to Highway 4, Renville County Road 4 and Highway 71. This route adds approximately 11 miles.

Phase three is a mill and bituminous overlay in Bird Island. It is anticipated that this final phase will get underway in late August.

Weather permitting, all phases are expected to be complete later this fall.

The prime contractor for all three phases is Duininck Bros. of Prinsburg.

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones.

For statewide up-to-date traveler information, motorists can dial 511 on a wireless telephone or 800-542-0220. Traveler information and other transportation related information is also available on the Mn/DOT web site at www.dot.state.mn.us.