City of Fargo staff presented plans Wednesday for a full reconstruction of Third Street North between NP Avenue and First Avenue, estimating $1,294,400 for the project and proposing part of the cost be covered by special assessments to adjacent property owners.

The project will include replacement of the water main and water services to the curb stop valve, sanitary sewer main and services to behind the curb, new concrete pavement, driveway approaches up to the sidewalks, sidewalk replacement and street lights. City of Fargo staff said bids are scheduled for July 16, with construction likely to begin in August and a planned completion in October 2025.

At an informational meeting, City of Fargo staff emphasized the following details: the project is a single-phase construction with a 75-day duration; north-end utility connections will require about 14 nonconsecutive days and short closures when crews tie in utilities or replace pavement; pedestrian access will be maintained at all times either on existing sidewalks or within the street section during sidewalk replacement; and temporary above-ground water service lines will be installed while the main is being replaced. Staff noted temporary lines will provide domestic flows but not fire flows.

City staff provided cost and funding figures: the estimated construction cost is $1,027,301, and with fees and contingencies the total estimate is $1,294,400. The larger funding source listed was "prairie dog funds" at $1,005,594, with proposed special assessments covering $288,806. Under the city’s special assessment policy described at the meeting, the water main and service replacement is capped at $66.24 per front foot; the sanitary sewer main and service is also capped at $66.24 per front foot; street amenities such as landscaping are 100% special assessed; and paving for DMUs is $386.43 per front foot. Staff said driveway widenings are permitted if they comply with city ordinance and that forms for driveway requests were available at the meeting. Landscaping plantings are scheduled for 2025.

No formal vote or decision was taken at the informational meeting; staff concluded by inviting questions and noting the availability of forms and further information at the presentation.