Business Highway 71

Proposed Improvements

The City of Willmar is planning to improve the Business Highway 71 Area.

Improvements include:

• Pavement resurfacing
• Concrete curb and gutter/median spot repair
• Traffic sign replacements
• Traffic signal improvements
• Pedestrian crossing improvements
• Path improvements

The City of Willmar is undertaking a pavement resurfacing project on Business Highway 71 from 10th Street NE/Robbins Island entrance to 26th Avenue NE/CSAH 24.  The scope of the work includes the removal and replacement of the top layer of asphalt pavement, spot concrete repairs, and improvements to the traffic signal at Civic Center Drive.  Additionally, the project will feature pedestrian crossing enhancements at the 10th Street NE/Robbins Island entrance and path improvements along the corridor near Civic Center Drive.

Construction will occur in two phases on this four-lane divided highway. Each phase will involve the closure of one half of the roadway, while the remaining lanes will accommodate two-way traffic. A detour will be in place to redirect northbound traffic to the Highway 71/23 Bypass via Civic Center Drive. Access to Robbins Island, the Flags of Honor Memorial, and Bright Lights UCAP Head Start will be maintained throughout the project, with only minor closures anticipated.

Although Business Highway 71 will remain open during construction, traffic delays are expected. Motorists are encouraged to consider alternate routes when possible. Phase 1, which includes work on the northbound lanes (east half), is scheduled to begin on July 8 and conclude by mid-August 2025. Phase 2, involving the southbound lanes (west half), is expected to commence in mid-August and be completed by late September 2025. The entire project is anticipated to be finalized by early October 2025.

Project updates will be posted on the website and electronically distributed to subscribers as work progresses. Please feel free to reach out to any of the contacts provided if you have any questions.