Hwy 71 Olivia resurfacing project begins July 18

A project to resurface U.S. Highway 71 in Olivia begins Monday, July 18.

Hwy 71 will be resurfaced from just south of Viking Drive to the U.S. Highway 212 intersection in Olivia. Sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, and adjacent driveways will be upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. New sidewalk will be added at certain locations along the corridor to connect with existing sidewalk.

From Viking Drive to Ash Avenue, ditches will be regraded to improve drainage, and many culverts in this location will be replaced. From Ash Avenue to Hwy 212, portions of the existing concrete curb and gutter and underground storm pipe will be removed and replaced to improve drainage during rainfall events. A southbound bypass lane will be added at Viking Drive.

During most of construction, Hwy 71 will be open to two-way traffic; however, drivers will encounter temporary lane and shoulder closures, along with other minor traffic impacts. Pedestrians will encounter temporary sidewalk and ramp closures. Everyone is encouraged to allow extra time and watch for traffic sign instructions and flagging crews.

A detour will be in place for approximately one month during construction. The detour is currently scheduled to run from July 25 through August 16. The detour uses Renville County Road 17/790th Avenue and Renville County Road 13/310th Street.
All homes and businesses along the project route will remain accessible during construction.

Benefits of the project include a smoother road surface, enhanced safety, improved drainage, and upgraded sidewalks and pedestrian crossings to meet ADA standards.
The contractor is Duininck, Inc., and the project will cost $2.8 million. Construction is scheduled to be completed by October 8. Start and end dates could change due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.