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Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 10, 29 and 71—Wadena construction

Wadena and Otter Tail counties

2025 construction kick-off meeting set for June 2

Current impacts

Off-road work to occur year-round. All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.

Prep work in progress

May-June: Periodic lane or shoulder closures or flaggers controlling traffic as crews prepare work areas for construction along Hwy 10, Hwy 29, Hwy 71. Project email update (5/20)

Project work areas on Hwy 10, 29 and 71 in Wadena.
Prepare the Hwy 10, 29, 71 work zone for construction in the Wadena area. Select map image to enlarge (PNG)

Upcoming impacts

Hwy 71

Begins in early June

Hwy 71 through traffic: Road closed between Hwy 10 and Juniper Ave. in Wadena to work on underground utilities until mid-July.

  • Detour: Hwy 10, Co. Rd. 20 and Juniper Ave. (PNG)

Hwy 71 open to local traffic: Access to those that live, work and visit areas along the project will be open and maintained at all times. However, expect changes:

    • Use of a side streets, alley or back/side entrances
    • Expect gravel surfaces or temporary entrances
    • Pedestrians will have sidewalk closures with detours (walk adjacent side of road)

2025 work

June-fall

2025 work zone areas map
Wadena:2025 work zone map on Hwy 10 and Hwy 71. Select map PNG to enlarge

June-fall

Hwy 10 west of Wadena Co. Rd. 20
  • Construct two lanes of new four-lane on west end
    • Replace underground structures, construct lanes, medians and entrances, includes north entrance/J-turn at Co. Rd. 75 and roundabout at Co. Rd. 92 at the hospital
Hwy 10 east of Hwy 71
  • Off-road or shoulder work may occur
  • No work on mainline until 2026

2025 work areas map (PNG)

Expect major construction on Hwy 10 west of Wadena at 620th Ave., Otter Tail County, to east of Wadena at Oink Joint Rd./140th St., Wadena County in 2025-2027.

Early June-fall

Hwy 71 north of Hwy 10
  • Reconstruct Birch Ave. N to Elm Ave. N
    • Reconstruct road and install underground storm sewer and other city utilities
    • Remove pedestrian tunnel at old hospital
    • Update or install sidewalk
  • Resurface Elm Ave. N to north of Alfred St.
    • Underground structures
    • Center left-turn lane to Alfred St.
    • Sidewalk/trail to Juniper Ave.
  • 2025 work areas map (PNG)
Hwy 71 south of Hwy 10
  • Off-road or shoulder work may occur
  • No work on mainline until 2026

Hwy 29 west of Hwy 71 in Wadena

  • No work on mainline until 2026
  • Off-road or shoulder work may occur