News Release 

June 15, 1999 

Construction on the southbound lanes of Highway 71/23 between junction Highway 294 near the Willmar Regional Treatment Center and north junction Highway 23 near Eagle Lake will cause traffic delays for motorists through August.  During construction, southbound traffic will be diverted to the northbound lanes of Highway 71/23; southbound Highway 71/23 will be closed; and the southbound bypass traffic will be diverted to Civic Center Drive. 

Due to safety concerns and the close proximity to the crossover lanes, it will be necessary to close the northwest Eagle Lake access to Highway 71/23.  The Point Lake access will remain open. 

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to drive the speed limit - fines double in work zones.  Driving too fast, following too close and stopping suddenly are the major causes of crashes in work zones.

Improvements proposed as part of the construction project include new concrete pavement and the installation of turn lanes on southbound  T.H. 71/23 between junction T.H. 294, near the Willmar Regional Treatment Center, to the north junction T.H. 23 near Eagle Lake. Duininck, Bros., Prinsburg, Minn., is the prime contractor for the $2.8 million project.