BROWERVILLE, Minn.– Motorists who travel on Highway 71 through Todd County will encounter a detour from north of Clarissa to south of Browerville as work on the bridge begins next week.

Starting on Monday, June 13, Highway 71 will close to through traffic and detour along Todd County Road 11 north of Clarissa to Todd County Road 14/W Miltona Road, back to Highway 71 south of Browerville. The stretch of Highway 71 will still be open to those who live, work, or visit those areas within the detoured spot between County Roads 11 and 14. Although, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, through traffic must use the detour and refrain from the use of city streets for the safety of Browerville residents.

MNDOT adds that workers will only close and replace one double box bridge at a time. They will begin on the south end and close Highway 71 between Front Street and First Street to replace the Drayer Creek Bridge. Highway 71 will be closed on the north end between 11th and 12th Street to replace the Harris Creek bridge in July.

Officials say Highway 71 will be accessible on the north end of town during Browerville Heritage Days the weekend of June 24-26. Highway 71 is expected to reopen by late August.

Landwehr Construction in St. Cloud is the prime contractor for the $1.4 million project to reduce overall maintenance costs and improve drainage through Browerville.

More information can be found by clicking here.