Highway 23 four-lane project is on the calendar

Erica Dischino / TribuneTraffic moves along state Highway 23 one-lane stretch between New London and Paynesville. — File Photo / TribuneWhile funding has been secured for the two Highway 23 gap projects, it will take several years before the work is completed.

By Tribune Newsroom

October 15, 2018 at 11:01 PM

WILLMAR - Highway 23 motorists now have a save-the-date for the long-sought-after four-lane construction project between New London and Richmond.

In May of 2018 the Minnesota Legislature passed a bonding bill that included $105 million dollars in funding to expand the current two-lane corridor to four lanes in two remaining gaps.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that construction of the north gap - between Paynesville and Richmond - will take place in 2022 and 2023.

The south gap - between New London and Paynesville - will be constructed in 2024 and 2025.

The timeframe is based on when state funding is available.

MnDOT District 8 office in Willmar will be the lead agency on both projects.

The next steps include obtaining permits, coordinating utilities, acquiring land and preparing construction plans.

According to MnDOT, the project will improve roadway capacity, travel times and interstate access to west central and southwest Minnesota residents and businesses.

File Photo / TribuneA sign along Highway 23 from Willmar to St. Cloud. — File Photo / TribuneWhile funding has been secured for the two Highway 23 gap projects, it will take several years before the work is completed.

Highway 23 four-lane project is on the calendar

WILLMAR -- Highway 23 motorists now have a save-the-date for the long-sought-after four-lane construction project between New London and Richmond. In May of 2018 the Minnesota Legislature passed a bonding bill that included $105 million dollars i...