D8 - Hwy 23 North & South Gap – New London to Richmond: 2022-2024 construction
The main detour for the Highway 23 North Gap Paynesville to Richmond expansion project begins Monday, May 16, for all through traffic. Hwy 23 will be closed from Stearns County Road 33 in Paynesville to Stearns County Road 12 (Maine Street/County Road 43) in Richmond. See work zone and detour map below.
The detour of Hwy 23 will run until November 2022 when the road will reopen for several months. The detour will then be in place again from May 2023 until November 2023 for the final year of construction.
People who live, work, or visit homes and businesses along Hwy 23 will have access to/from Hwy 23 using designated access points along the corridor. Drivers can expect changes and use of alternate entrances as Hwy 23 will be a busy work zone. Residents, business owners, and visitors should watch for construction signs, lane closures, gravel surfaces, flaggers with use of pilot car, road crews and heavy equipment.
 Work zone and detour map shows where the road will be closed to through traffic in red, where work is being performed under traffic in orange, and the detour route in green.
Highway 23 Gaps expansion projects
The North Gap project expands nine miles of Hwy 23 to four lanes, from Paynesville to Richmond. Also, several intersections along Hwy 23 will be reconfigured to improve sightlines, reduce potential crash points, and enhance safety.
Work began April 4 to move the Glacial Lakes State Trail. The trail is currently closed from County Road 12 to the river in Richmond until May 13. The North Gap project concludes in 2023.
The North Gap project is part of the three-year Hwy 23 Gaps expansion project which received funding through the Corridors of Commerce program in May 2018. In addition to the North Gap, the South Gap expansion of Hwy 23 to four lanes from New London to Paynesville is scheduled for construction from early 2023 through 2024.
When the North Gap and South Gap sections are both complete, Hwy 23 travelers will be able to experience continuous four-lane travel from Willmar to Foley.
Additional traffic impacts
Three detours will be required to complete the North Gap project. In addition to the main detour of Hwy 23, Stearns County Road 43 will be closed from Hwy 23 to Fellows Road to replace a culvert and a detour will be in place from June 6 through August 2022. As part of the project, County Road 12 will be detoured for two weeks in 2023.
Project benefits and cost
Benefits of the project include improved traffic flow and freight movement, as well as overall corridor performance, capacity, and safety. Mathiowetz Construction is the contractor for the North Gap project, which will cost $41.75 million
Groundbreaking ceremony
May 6 was a great day for a groundbreaking as representatives from MnDOT, the Highway 23 Coalition, and Mathiowetz Construction gathered along with local, county and state elected officials, and corridor community members to celebrate the start of the long-awaited project.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts, stories, and best wishes for a successful project!
 Work zone reminders
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits; fine for a work zone violation is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient and expect delays, especially during peak travel times
Project contacts and website
Mike Klasen, Construction Project Manager | 320-248-2294
Sandra Schlagel, Public Affairs | 320-214-6362
MnDOT.gov/d8/projects/hwy23northgap
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