Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 71, Hwy 29—Wadena

Wadena County

About this 2025 project

MnDOT will improve segments of Hwy 71/Jefferson St. and Hwy 29/Colfax Ave. S in Wadena.

Thanks for participating

MnDOT thanks the Wadena community for trying out the Hwy 71 (E Jefferson St.) demonstration project set up between Aldrich Ave. and Bryant Ave. in downtown Wadena Aug. 15–Sept. 27. The set-up will remain up a few more weeks. Survey results and plans will be shared once known.

Hwy 71, Hwy 29 project map
Hwy 71, Hwy 29 in Wadena. Select image to enlarge

Summary of work

Hwy 71

  • Resurface from Franklin Ave. S to Aldrich Ave. S and update sidewalks and approaches, includes signal systems at the Hwy 71 intersections of Hwy 29/Colfax Ave. S and Bryant Ave. S
  • Reconstruct from Birch Ave. N and Elm Ave. N, includes underground city utilities and storm sewers
  • Resurface (mill and overlay) from Elm Ave. N to half-mile north of Alfred St. N and replace or repair underground structures, includes a continuous center left-turn lane through Alfred St. and a proposed city trail

Hwy 29

  • Resurface (mill and overlay) from the Otter Tail/Wadena county line to Hwy 71/Jefferson St. S
  • Update pedestrian sidewalk and ramps

Future impacts

  • Motorists: Road closures with detours or lane closures
  • Pedestrians: Sidewalk closures, detours
  • Access will be open and maintained