engineering department

Joe Duncan, City Engineer

507-625-4171 ext. 2357

joedu@bolton-menk.com

The City of Belle Plaine contracts with Bolton & Menk engineering services.

Staff oversees the planning and designing of new construction and reconstruction of Belle Plaine's sanitary sewers, water mains, storm drainage systems, streets and sidewalks and other projects to support residents and businesses. They also inspect construction, review and critique new site plans, developments and private improvement projects to ensure consistent application of city codes and standards, which improves neighborhood appearance and provides a heightened sense of livability. In addition, staff monitors, analyzes and modifies traffic patterns in an effort to calm traffic, ensuring safety for drivers and pedestrians.

South Frontage Road

Figure 2-Proposed Concept  (11x17)

Chard Tiling & Excavating of Belle Plaine was awarded the Federal ARRA contract for construction of the South Frontage Road. The link located on this page shows the project limits, which extend from Meridian Street (CSAH 3) on the west to Hickory Boulevard (CSAH 5) on the east. Once completed, traffic will use the frontage road to access businesses along the new route, much like the existing north frontage road (E Commerce Drive) that was constructed in 2006.

Construction began on March 22, 2010 and focused on utility construction on the east and west segments of the project. These two segments will then be graded and paved to provide access to the existing businesses and road network in preparation of the next stage of construction. Now expected around the middle of April, rapid progression has accelerated that next stage, which includes the permanent closure of the South Street access to TH 169 near Emma Krumbee’s Restaurant and the BP Gas Station. Guidance signage will be installed to provide traffic with information on how to reach their destination(s) during construction. The entire project has a substantial completion date of September 3, 2010.

Traffic and access changes such as this can be difficult and will take time to adapt to the new road network configuration. Ideally, all of the work along TH 169 would be completed at one time, but funding simply does not allow for that scenario. As always, the public’s patience and positive outlook are requested as another significant step toward the goal of two grade-separated crossings serving the City of Belle Plaine is achieved.

The City acknowledges the assistance and cooperation of our partners, Scott County and Mn/DOT, without which this project would not be possible.

The City of Belle Plaine also continues to make advancements for a grade separated crossing with access to TH 169 near the location of Meridian Street and TH 169. Bolton & Menk, Inc. is currently engaged in the preliminary design stage for the interchange and will be making efforts to obtain a MnDOT Staff-Approved layout. With that, formal cost estimates can be projected and used to pursue and secure funding opportunities that could lead to the construction of the interchange.

The City of Belle Plaine is a member of the US Highway 169 Coalition.

For more information on the Coalition visit the website.