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The roadwork approved for 2025 construction season is progressing well despite some episodes of heavy rainfall, according to County Engineer Joe Triplett. He gave the county commissioners an update at the regular meeting last week. The highlights include:

County State Aid Highway 6 resurfacing was awarded to Knife River Corp. at $1.5 million and the contract was approved.  Work will get going as soon as possible.

CSAH 16 crews have encountered subgrade issues that can be addressed, and Engineer Triplett noted the summer triathlon event will go on as planned. The goal was to lay the first asphalt lift by June 20.

The round-about to be built at what is now a four-way stop, at Lofton and Stacy Trail north of Chisago City  is in the final design phase.  The right of way acquisition team is working on property needed for the round-about.

County road seal coat and pavement marking tasks have been delayed by weather but are started and will get attention.

The project on County Road 30 or Forest Boulevard in North Branch had some hold-ups due to utility locate issues but legal reminders sent by the county initiated some action and things seem to be getting on track.   There is a box culvert placement that relies on utility relocation.  Commissioner Jim Swenson commented that the utility had extra advance notice of the project sent in late 2024,  and he “is not happy” with the delays being experienced.

Triplett got the okay to participate in a Washington D.C. “fly in” where members of Congress, staffers and engineers from all over the U.S. meet and engage on project needs. The event is in September.  The MN Transportation Alliance oversees the Minnesota delegation visit.  Triplett said he will promote and explain some of the issues existing at interchanges on I-35 at Wyoming and Stacy and their designs for improvements.

The state is getting started on public education and input for the second phase of Highway 8 work, which will address the section from Chisago City to Taylors Falls. There was to be an on-line survey put on the state website and local open houses are being scheduled.

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