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Meeker County drainage authority directs MnDOT to replace culverts under TH‑22 on County Ditch 12
Summary
The Meeker County ditch authority approved an inspection report and directed the Minnesota Department of Transportation to replace two culverts under Trunk Highway 22 where it crosses County Ditch 12. MnDOT plans to install a larger single culvert; county staff said there should be no cost to the county or the ditch system.
The Meeker County ditch authority on June 17 approved an inspection report and directed the Minnesota Department of Transportation to replace two culverts beneath Trunk Highway 22 where the highway crosses County Ditch 12.
The action, moved by Commissioner Van Ort and seconded by Commissioner Schmidt, came after county staff said MnDOT had reported pavement depressions above failing culverts and proposed replacing the existing pair of 30‑inch pipes with a single 54‑inch culvert. Phil (county staff) presented the inspection and told commissioners the work would be part of MnDOT’s legal process and would “have no cost to the county, no cost to the ditch system.”
Why it matters: the culverts have visible separations and material is entering the pipe, county staff said. Replacing them should restore or modestly improve capacity compared with the liner MnDOT previously placed inside one failed pipe.
County staff said they inspected the culverts but called the inspection “brief” and described the pipes as “in rough shape.” When a commissioner asked about closures, Phil said MnDOT’s work could close TH‑22 for one day though the county should “plan for 2 or 3 days.” He also said county emergency management is typically notified about major road closures so responders can adjust routing.
Commission discussion focused on the design specification, timing and local impacts. A commissioner asked whether the 54‑inch spec came from MnDOT; another replied that was MnDOT’s specification and that it constitutes an increase in opening size compared with the existing liners. Phil said MnDOT’s work should be north of the township road and that the township road itself likely would not be closed.
Motion and outcome: Commissioner Van Ort moved to approve the inspection report and to direct MnDOT to complete the TH‑22/CD‑12 culvert replacement; Commissioner Schmidt seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: county staff said they will share MnDOT’s schedule for highway closures when it becomes available. MnDOT will proceed with its internal permitting and construction scheduling; county representatives will coordinate notifications to emergency services and local townships as the department defines the work plan.
