WILLMAR — The Highway 71 Sanborn bridge replacement project could begin as early as April 12, weather permitting. The existing bridge, located over the Cottonwood River, was built in 1931. The new bridge will be wider with 12-foot driving lanes and 10-foot shoulders. Minor work will take place on the approaches to improve drainage on the bridge, including reshaping the ditches and stream stabilization. New guardrail will be installed.

The Highway 71 Cottonwood River crossing will be closed during construction and traffic detoured using Brown County Roads 21 and 2, and Highway 14. The city bridge on South Main Street will also be closed and detoured during construction.

The project is estimated to cost $3.6 million and be complete by Oct. 30. The contractor is Robert R. Schroeder Construction of Glenwood. Please note that start and end dates could change due to weather conditions or unforeseeable circumstances, and all traffic impacts may not be known at this time.

For weekly project updates throughout construction, visit mndot.gov/d8/projects/us71sanborn.