Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Isanti County delays phase‑2 paving on County Road 5 roundabout project after utility/asbestos removal; board approves schedule revision
Summary
The board approved a schedule change that delays the phase‑2 pavement work on the County Road 5 roundabout project until next spring after crews found an abandoned asbestos‑coated gas line and experienced utility delays during construction.
County Highway Engineer Justin Bergerson updated the Isanti County Board on Oct. 21 about schedule changes to the County Road 5 (East Dual Boulevard) roundabout project (SAP 3605037) and other construction projects.
Bergerson said the project was initially value‑engineered and planned in two phases: finish the roundabout intersection first and complete pavement rehabilitation on adjacent segments in phase 2. During construction staff found an abandoned gas main with an asbestos coating that had to be removed inside the project limits, and the project experienced small utility delays. "We had an abandoned, asbestos containing gas line that had to be removed within the project limits," Bergerson said. Utility owners removed and properly disposed of the pipe.
Given the calendar and the potential for poor paving weather, city and county engineers recommended proceeding with a change order to extend the pavement work into the next spring to ensure quality workmanship and access to bituminous plant production. The contractor estimates 4–6 weeks of closure to install the pavement once work resumes; the county and city will coordinate scheduling and detour signage with local businesses.
Bergerson said this schedule revision does not require additional county funds at this time and that winter protection for in‑progress work would be the contractor’s responsibility. The Board approved moving forward with the schedule revision on a motion by Commissioner Christiansen, seconded by Commissioner Westerberg.
Bergerson also updated the board on two other projects: a County Road 63 bridge approach paving planned to open by Nov. 1 and CSAH 3 reconstruction with the first lifts down and final paving planned for mid‑November weather permitting. He said snow‑plow trucks and salt inventories are staged and ready for winter operations.
Detour planning and business communication: Bergerson said the contractor and city staff will continue coordinating detour routing and signage and will contact local businesses to minimize disruptions; the project manager planned to brief the City Council the same day.
Next steps: county staff will administer the change order and work with the contractor and the city to set dates for the phase‑2 closure and paving next spring; staff will keep the board informed of scheduling and detour details.
