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
Project Updates
July 1, 2025
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.
Anticipated Construction Schedule:
Phase 1 – Northbound Lanes (East Half of Highway)
Week of July 8, 2025
- Install erosion control devices
- Install traffic control devices and temporary pavement markings. Includes the closure of the northbound lanes of traffic (east half of highway).
- Milling operations to remove the top layer of asphalt pavement
- Concrete spot removals
- Civic Center Drive traffic signal work
Week of July 14, 2025
- Concrete removals (continued)
- Civic Center Drive traffic signal work (continued)
- Concrete spot replacement
Week of July 21, 2025
- Concrete spot replacement (continued)
- Asphalt pavement patching
Week of July 28, 2025
- Asphalt pavement patching (continued)
Week of August 4, 2025
- Installation of asphalt underseal
- Asphalt pavement installation
- Finalize construction on Phase 1
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve your streets.
Contractor
Minnesota Paving and Materials
Rogers, MN
Documents
Project documents coming soon!
Engineer Contacts
Christopher Holm
Onsite Construction Representative
(320) 737-0534
chris.holm@bolton-menk.com
Spencer Johnson
Project Manager, Bolton & Menk, Inc.
(320)-979-6136
Spencer.Johnson@bolton-menk.com
Contractor Contact
Scott Bednar
Minnesota Paving and Materials
(320)-470-8112
scott.bednar@minnpm.com