About this project
Summary of work
- Construction of two-lane to four-lane expansion of Hwy 23 from Paynesville to Richmond (North Gap)
- North Gap project pages
- Construction of two-lane to four-lane expansion of Hwy 23 from New London to Paynesville (South Gap)
- South Gap project pages
Living snow fence project 2024-2025
MnDOT installed more than 3.3 miles of living snow fence on the north side of Hwy 23. About one-half of the fence is situated on each side of the Kandiyohi and Stearns County line (between Hawick and Paynesville). The project was made possible through special funding from the Minnesota Legislature. Plant materials will be native to Minnesota.
For information about living snow fences, visit the MnDOT Living Snow Fence website.
- Prep work began Sept. 30 and continued through October 2024.
- Planting and mulching was completed in spring 2025.
- Cost is approximately $1.3 million
- Contractor for the living snow fence is Hoffman & McNamara Co.
- The contractor will monitor the living snow fence for a 2-year vegetation establishment period, which includes watering plant beds and replacing trees that don't establish.
- Traffic will not be affected during watering and replacement operations.