 The work zone shown in red will be closed to through traffic, which will be routed on CR 2 and Hwy 55, shown in green.
The Hwy 23 South Gap detour begins May 1 and is expected to run through Oct. 27. Hwy 23 will be closed from Hawick to Paynesville. Traffic will be routed to Kandiyohi County Road 2 and Hwy 55; a detour map is above.
Access will be open to those who live, work, or visit homes and businesses along Hwy 23; however, 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, road crews, and heavy equipment.
Additional traffic impacts
- Construction taking place this year from New London to Hawick will mostly be done under traffic.
- A 10-day detour will be required near Hawick in early October 2023 for the installation of a temporary culvert to divert water around the new box culvert being installed at the Long Lake outlet.
- DNR parking lots will close temporarily later this summer/fall.
- Construction in 2024 is expected to take place primarily under traffic; however, brief closures may be necessary.
- Dates are subject to change, depending on weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.
Hwy 23 expansion projects
The South Gap project expands 7 miles of Hwy 23 to four lanes, from New London to Paynesville. Safety will be enhanced at intersections along the corridor and a pedestrian underpass will be constructed near Hawick. The two-year project will conclude in 2024.
The South 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 South Gap, the North Gap expansion of Hwy 23 to four lanes from Paynesville to Richmond is scheduled for completion this year. 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.
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 South Gap project, and the cost is $34.5 million.
Construction Supervisor: Al Setrum | 320-214-6321
Public Affairs Coordinator: Sandra Schlagel | 320-212-0067
Visit: mndot.gov/d8/projects/hwy23southgap
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