First construction season wraps up in Wadena
BAXTER, Minn. — Construction on the three-year, $52 million project on Highways 10, 29 and 71 in Wadena hit a major milestone Wednesday, Oct. 22, as the first season wrapped up, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
In four months, crews reconstructed Highway 71 from Highway 10 to north of Alfred Street. Work included underground structures, city utilities, sidewalks, a new pedestrian trail, a continuous center left-turn lane through Alfred Street and removal of the old pedestrian tunnel at the former hospital.
On Highway 10, they excavated and built-up road materials; replaced drainage pipes; constructed new west segments of road and entrances, half of the Otter Tail/Wadena County Road 92 roundabout and the north access to Otter Tail County Road 75; and constructed road bases for future westbound lanes near Oink Joint Road.
Work will continue off-road through October with no impacts to traffic.
What to expect this winter
- Highway 10 will remain open to a single lane of traffic in each direction.
- The roundabout on Highway 10 at Otter Tail/Wadena County Road 92 will be open to all travelers. The north half is complete; the south half will be finished in 2026.
- Highway 71 north of Highway 10 is open and complete—including the new trail—please watch for people when crossing at driveways and access points. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.
How to navigate the new roundabout
Many drivers may be unfamiliar with the new traffic pattern. MnDOT encourages motorists to follow these important tips when navigating the roundabout:
- Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Vehicles inside have the right of way.
- Slow down as you approach. Watch for signs, lane markings and pedestrians.
- Do not stop inside the roundabout. Keep moving unless it’s necessary to avoid a collision.
- Use your turn signal when exiting. Signal right as you pass the exit before the one you intend to take.
MnDOT thanks the Wadena community and traveling public for their patience during the 2025 construction season.
Construction will resume in spring 2026, with continued expansion work on Highway 10 east and west of Highway 71. Improvements on Highway 71 will continue with the focus south of Highway 10 from Franklin Avenue South to Aldrich Avenue South. Work on Highway 29 from the Otter Tail/Wadena county line to Highway 71 will include updating underground storm sewers, sidewalks and resurfacing the road.
Motorists can expect single-lane traffic through the 2026 construction season. Multiple detours will be needed to work beneath the road and may occur at the same time.
The project is scheduled for completion in August 2027 and will improve safety, traffic flow and underground infrastructure.
For more Wadena construction information, detour maps and to sign up for email updates, visit the project webpage: www.mndot.gov/d3/projects/wadena.
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