End is near for Highway 71 work

Construction is wrapping up on the Highway 71 resurfacing project from Park Rapids to Menahga.

Paving was completed by Friday after crews finished shoulders on the rural section and parking lanes in Park Rapids this week.

Next week, crews will apply permanent striping, shoulder rumble strips and turf establishment, said Larry Randall, project supervisor.

"The project should be substantially complete by the end of next week, weather permitting," Randall said.

Motorists are cautioned to still be alert to workers, heavy equipment and truck traffic in the project area.

The $6.8 million project began July 13 and the completion date was originally set for Sept.19. The contractor, Central Specialties, Inc., said earlier that he planned to complete the project early to take advantage of incentives.

The 12.5-mile project includes construction of turn lanes, culvert repairs and replacements, asphalt reclamation and recycling, shoulder work and surface paving.