
🚧Hwy 71 Crossing Update🚧
Residents will notice the crossing at Birch Ave on North Hwy 71 will be open periodically depending on work that needs to be done. Please note that work in the area is still ongoing, so conditions may change and the crossing could close again if necessary.
The Cedar Ave and Deerwood Ave crossings may also reopen in the near future, depending on construction progress.
Openings are being provided when possible to give the community more access, but they may be temporary. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the area. Please use caution and stay alert for changing conditions. Stay up to date by following the City’s Live Feed and watching for email updates from MnDOT.


Contractors have opened the crossing at Birch Ave on north Hwy 71. Please note that work in the area is still ongoing, so conditions may change and the crossing could close again if necessary.
The Cedar Ave and Deerwood Ave crossings may also reopen in the near future, depending on construction progress.
Openings are being provided when possible to give the community more access, but they may be temporary. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the area. Please use caution and stay alert for changing conditions. Stay up to date by following the City’s Live Feed and watching for email updates from MnDOT.


We know the Hwy projects are bringing lots of changes to local travel, and we want the public to stay as up to date as possible. Use the following resources to stay informed on what's happening, as more updates are coming soon:
-Business Access Maps are available on our website—visit the 10/71/29 Project page to see routes to all your favorite local places, these will be updated as project phases change.
-For details on the project’s phases and timeline, check out the MnDOT project page, "Wadena Construction". You’ll find the latest plans and updates straight from the source.
-Email Notice Signup: If you haven’t already, consider signing up for MnDOT’s email notifications—it's the easiest way to get updates delivered right to your inbox: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=MNDOT_1054


Please note the following adjustments designed to help keep traffic moving smoothly through Wadena on Sunday:
• Bryant Ave/Hwy 71 Intersection: The traffic light will be STEADY GREEN for north/south traffic on Hwy 71 from 9am-7pm to help with traffic flow attempting to get to Hwy 10 east. If you’re on Bryant Ave, you’ll have to turn right to get across.
• Hwy 29 & Hwy 71 Intersection: The green light will cycle longer for vehicles coming from Hwy 29.
• Route: Returning WE Fest traffic will need to use Co Rd 75 > Hwy 29 > Hwy 71>Hwy 10


In an effort to streamline returning WE Fest traffic, 2nd St SW will be open to local traffic only on Sunday, August 10th. WE Fest travelers should use the posted detours to navigate through town, as shown below.


Please note the following adjustments designed to help keep traffic moving smoothly through Wadena on Sunday:
• Bryant Ave/Hwy 71 Intersection: The traffic light will be STEADY GREEN for north/south traffic on Hwy 71 from 9am-7pm to help with traffic flow attempting to get to Hwy 10 east. If you’re on Bryant Ave, you’ll have to turn right to get across.
• Hwy 29 & Hwy 71 Intersection: The green light will cycle longer for vehicles coming from Hwy 29.
• Route: Returning WE Fest traffic will need to use Co Rd 75 > Hwy 29 > Hwy 71>Hwy 10


Please note the following adjustments designed to help keep traffic moving smoothly through Wadena on Sunday:
• Bryant Ave/Hwy 71 Intersection: The traffic light will be STEADY GREEN for north/south traffic on Hwy 71 from 9am-7pm to help with traffic flow attempting to get to Hwy 10 east. If you’re on Bryant Ave, you’ll have to turn right to get across.
• Hwy 29 & Hwy 71 Intersection: The green light will cycle longer for vehicles coming from Hwy 29.
• Route: Returning WE Fest traffic will need to use Co Rd 75 > Hwy 29 > Hwy 71>Hwy 10


In an effort to streamline returning WE Fest traffic, 2nd St SW will be open to local traffic only on Sunday, August 10th. WE Fest travelers should use the posted detours to navigate through town, as shown below.


Please note the following adjustment designed to help keep traffic moving smoothly through Wadena on Sunday:
• Bryant Ave/Hwy 71 Intersection: The traffic light will be STEADY GREEN for north/south traffic on Hwy 71 from 9am-7pm to help with traffic flow attempting to get to Hwy 10 east. If you’re on Bryant Ave, you’ll have to turn right to get across.
• Route: Returning WE Fest traffic will need to use Co Rd 75 > Hwy 29 > Hwy 71

Please note that the Elm Avenue access will NOT be open as originally planned due to ongoing road construction. We apologize for this last-minute change. We’ve attached a map indicating the updated access and parking areas
NEW DIRECTIONS:
Enter from US Highway 10 or Juniper Ave by taking 1st Street NW to reach the Astera Legacy Campus. Look for Wadena Area Child Care signs and banners to help guide you.


MnDOT and State Patrol are reminding travelers of roadwork in the area for this coming weekend: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/news/2025/07/28-d3-we-fest.html
We are encouraging folks to check 511 for real time travel info as well: https://511mn.org/@-96.66821,46.92432,6?show=metroTrafficMap,roadReports,weatherWarningsAreaEvents,stationsAlert,otherStateInfo


Here’s how to make sure you have the latest:
Download the City of Wadena app and turn on notifications to receive important news and project alerts on your mobile device.
Visit the City’s 10/71/29 Project Page on the official Wadena website for the most current updates, maps, and timelines about highway construction and related impacts.
Use the MnDOT Wadena Project Page for detailed information directly from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, including construction progress, traffic changes, and safety reminders.
Contact MnDOT: If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, use the “Contact Us” button on the MnDOT project page to connect directly with project staff.
Contact Us: If you have questions or concerns with detours, routes to businesses, or just general questions about the project, you can call us at City Office.
Thank you for staying engaged. Together, we’ll keep Wadena moving forward safely and smoothly throughout these projects!


Download the official City of Wadena app today from the App Store or Google Play Store.
With the app, you can:
Receive live feed updates from the City
Access highway project information and maps
Stay informed with council meetings, agendas, and minutes


The City of Wadena is asking residents to restrict use of city water Saturday August 2nd and Sunday August 3rd. Crews will be performing water main upgrades and pumping rates to the system will be reduced. Please conserve water use as follows:
No lawn or garden sprinkling over the weekend.
Reduce washing laundry if possible.
Thank you for your cooperation while performing these upgrades.


🚧 Hwy 10: Open for Local Traffic & Businesses 🚧
Please be aware that Hwy 10 remains open to local traffic and businesses during ongoing roadwork. While there may be some slight delays and bumpy surfaces, you can still reach all your favorite local spots.
Thank you for your patience and support of our local businesses. Safe travels, and please drive with caution through the area.
If your business is not mapped, please reach out to us to get added.


If you see him out and about don't be afraid to say hello, he's a very nice guy!


In Case You Missed It:
Link to MnDOT's most recent Hwy 71/29 project update: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDOT/bulletins/3e9eb3d?fbclid=IwY2xjawL16CpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkfNutkChKPfPDsGtg6y-89IC1hngTVi7PnazjTYFIZMNQEw-gv9ww_x4jrs_aem_juM_Vm011osIlJVHe8c3jQ

It's been a busy few weeks with lots of work happening throughout town. Crews on Hwy 10 have been removing pavement and poor materials west of town with storm sewer drainage pipes being placed and roadway being built behind the excavation operations. They will work to install watermain and sanitary sewer this weekend, Sat-Sun.
Hard Road Closures:
Hwy 10 remains closed from 9th St to 11th St/Co. Rd. 92 (No through traffic allowed; follow signs)
Co. Rd. 92 Closed at Hwy 10. Follow detour signs.
Reminder:
Wadena businesses are still open for everyone. Utilize our business access maps located on our web page and here on our Facebook page. Please continue to drive carefully, always follow construction signs, use the entrance closest to where you're going and stay out of closed-off areas. Thank you for working through this with us!


We’re excited to welcome you to the Wadena Area Child Care Center Open House on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at 415 Jefferson St. N, Wadena.
Come tour the new space, meet our dedicated child care providers, and learn more about services available to families in our community. The official ribbon cutting will take place at 3:30 p.m., with the Open House to follow.
Parking is available at the Astera Health Legacy Campus lot—please enter through Door T14.
We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, contact Marie at 218-234-0317 or mashland@mahube.org.


Crews are making steady progress on Highway 10, including excavation, storm sewer work, and utility crossings. Old pavement is being removed and the asphalt is crushed and reused as a base for the new concrete road. This approach is both efficient and environmentally friendly!
Thank you for your patience as improvements move forward to create a safer, smoother highway!


