Technology Drive Street Improvement Project
Proposed Improvements
The City of Willmar is moving forward with planned improvements to the Technology Drive area. Design efforts are currently underway. The scope of improvements includes:
- Asphalt resurfacing
- Spot repairs to concrete curb and gutter
- Targeted storm sewer repairs
Construction Method
The project will utilize a Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) process. This involves grinding the existing asphalt pavement and aggregate base to create a recycled material known as “reclaim.” A portion of the subgrade will be excavated to accommodate a thicker aggregate base. The reclaimed material will be reused and capped with new aggregate base, which will be shaped, compacted, and paved with new bituminous surfacing.
The contractor’s general construction sequence is outlined in the construction newsletter. Additional clarification on the reclamation and street base construction sequence is provided below:
- Full Depth Reclamation will be performed across all phases of Technology Drive.
- Reclaim material from Phase 2 will be used as the new street base for Phase 3.
- Reclaim from Phase 1 will be used for Phase 2, and reclaim from Phase 3 will be used for Phase 1.
- All phases will then receive new aggregate base material, resulting in a strengthened street base.
Phasing Map
Alternative Construction Access
Traffic Access During Construction
- During street base operations in Phases 2 and 3, access to Technology Drive will be maintained via the Phase 1 area.
- When construction shifts to Phase 1, access to the MinnWest Technology Campus will be provided via Phases 2 and 3 and through the Prairie Lakes Youth Programs access to Civic Center Drive.
- Please refer to the alternative access map for details.
Construction Update
August 7, 2025
Note: The contractor has delayed the construction start date due to inclement weather. The Contractor’s anticipated schedule for the next three weeks is provided below. This schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions.
Phase 3
Week of August 11, 2025
- No work
Week of August 18, 2025
- Reclaim operations (August 19)
- Salvage reclaim material and excavate subgrade
- Install salvage reclaim
Week of August 25, 2025
- Concrete Removals
Phase 2
Week of August 11, 2025
- No work
Week of August 18, 2025
- Reclaim operations (August 19)
- Salvage reclaim material and excavate subgrade
- Install salvage reclaim
Week of August 25, 2025
- Install storm sewer catch basins
- Concrete removals
Phase 1
Week of August 11, 2025
- No work
Week of August 18, 2025
- Reclaim operations (August 19)
Week of August 25, 2025
- Salvage reclaim material and excavate subgrade
- Install reclaimed base material
- Install storm sewer catch basins
- Concrete removals
Additional updates will be posted to the project website and distributed electronically to subscribers as construction progresses. Residents and businesses are encouraged to check the website regularly for the latest information regarding scheduling, access changes, and construction activities.
Additional Notes
Alternative Construction Access
Access to the southeast area of the MinnWest Technology Campus will be maintained via the Prairie Lakes Youth Programs access to Civic Center Drive during construction in Phases 1 and 2. Access to areas adjacent to Phase 3 will remain available via 16th Street and Phases 1 and 2 of Technology Drive. Businesses with sole access from Technology Drive are encouraged to contact the City’s Project Manager, Spencer Johnson, for coordination.
New Concrete Notice
Please avoid driving on newly poured concrete curbs and driveways for at least 7 days to allow proper curing and strength development.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve your streets.
Engineer Contacts
Nate Thein
On-site Construction Representative, Bolton & Menk, Inc.
(320)-979-9070
Nate.Thein@bolton-menk.com
Spencer Johnson
Project Manager, Bolton & Menk, Inc.
(320)-979-6136
Spencer.Johnson@bolton-menk.com
Contractor Contact
Crystal Swanson
Project Manager, Duininck Inc.
(320)-212-9384
crystalswanson@duininck.com