Hwy 23 Foley to Ronneby detour begins May 22
Crews resume work between Foley and Milaca
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Motorists will encounter delays and changes as work resumes on Highway 23 between Foley and Milaca, Benton and Mille Lacs counties, Monday, May 22, reports the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Crews will return to complete last year’s roadwork project, which will require segments of lane closures and a short detour east of Foley.
Here’s what to expect May 22 through July:
- Foley to Ronneby: Detour—Highway 23 will close to through traffic between Broadway Avenue South, Foley, and Benton County Road 6, Ronneby. Highway 23 will be closed to all traffic between Lord Avenue and 13th Avenue in Foley to replace a box culvert. Motorists will follow a signed detour that uses Broadway Avenue South, Benton County Road 4, and Benton County Road 6.
- Foley to Milaca—Expect periodic lane closures between Foley and Milaca and alternate one-way traffic with flaggers as crews pave the multi-use trail and complete concrete sidewalks and curb/gutter in Foley; install permanent road markings; and wrap up the project. Use the nearest open access to enter or exit the work area.
The work is part of the $18.2 million project that began last year to reconstruct and improve 13.5 miles of Highway 23 from Foley to Milaca. Crews reconstructed from Broadway Avenue to east of 13th Avenue in Foley, which included a new roundabout at Eighth Avenue/Penn Street; resurfaced 12.5 miles of highway between Foley and the Rum River bridge in Milaca; replaced or repaired multiple culverts, except for one that was delayed until 2023 due to material shortages; and improved access at seven intersections along Highway 23.
When complete in late July, travelers will benefit from a smoother road surface, updated drainage and improved safety.
Questions or concerns may be directed to MnDOT Construction Project Manager Rob Abfalter at 320-223-6617. For more information and to sign up for project email updates, visit the Highway 23 project webpage.
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