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It’s been five years in-the-making but come the next month or so you’ll start to see things heating up on the state Highway 95 bridge replacement over I-35, in North Branch.

North Branch City Council received an update on the bridge project, which at this time is estimated to be a $21 million project. Council was advised by consulting engineer Becky Hayden, WSB, that in June the state received “layout number seven” for the bridge and interchange design. The initial layout was submitted in 2001.

City Engineer Julie Dresel added, “The state’s got to buy into everything on our project because it’s a state trunk highway.”

Public meetings will begin to be scheduled in coming weeks, watch for announcements for public participation.

The “final roadway design” must be done between October 2006 and July ‘07. Right-of-way could begin to be acquired as early as this winter.

Hayden stressed that the timeframe is the way it is because in order to qualify for the substantial federal funding anticipated for this project; the work can not be delayed past 2009. Under existing schedules ground would be broken by spring 2007.

Exact cost-sharing responsibilities are still under negotiation, “there’s still lots of gray areas” said Hayden. She explained that this is all to be expected when coordinating multiple funding sources and various pools of money. (Area developers, the congress, state, North Branch Water & Light Commission, the city and county are all contributing to this rebuild.)

The actual project has extended from original plans to travel further west almost to the curve on #95 heading into Isanti County. A longer section reconstruction of County Road 68, south of #95, is also in the project now. Flink Avenue re-alignment and amenities like stormwater systems are being built to heavy duty commercial standards as well.

Hayden and Dresel mentioned the “corrections” bill before Congress, which has passed the House but not the Senate yet, is fine-tuning language in the appropriations for the project. This federal action finalizing the funding is needed before a “consultant” is brought on-board to initiate this massive project. Right of way and easement acquisitions are triggered soon after that.

Along with the relocation of Flink to the west, the engineers highlighted changes such as removal of the current Tanger Mall lighted intersection with a “modified” access.

There will be two through-lanes eastbound past Oakview on the east side of the freeway.

Hayden said no city street routes are being re-designed with this project, however. With the new wider bridge and rebuilt highway corridor the bridge “can free flow” and side street traffic issues shouldn’t be a problem.

Council plans to discuss funding matters in upcoming budget sessions. The city may or may not have to come up with financing for needs like interest payments on debt, and financial advisor Kathy Aho of Springsted and Assoc. assured council she’ll be developing options for the city to review. Plus, the city does not have to put financing out for a citizen referendum, Aho added, “There are forms of financing you can do.”

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