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County readies roundabout, shared path and a planned bridge replacement; construction windows depend on approvals
Summary
Public works officials said final plans for a Pioneer Road/County Road 46 roundabout are near complete with construction expected in 2027; the county is also advancing a shared‑use path on McKay and coordinating a state‑funded box‑culvert replacement on Highway 29 that could become a bridge, likely in 2027 if approvals lag.
Public works reported progress on three connected transportation projects: a roundabout at County Road 46 and Pioneer Road, a shared‑use path along McKay, and a state‑funded replacement of a box culvert on Highway 29.
Tim Ericson told the board the roundabout plans are roughly 90% complete and drainage design is resolved; the consultant’s contract is on track to deliver final plans in June with construction currently anticipated for 2027. "We're at the point where our original contract with our consultant is to have final plans in June…our intention is construction in 2027 and we'll be ready for it," Tim said.
Tim also briefed the board on active‑transportation funding for a 10‑foot shared‑use path from the Central Lakes Trail north along McKay. If funding and costs align, staff hope to advance some path construction a year early (2027 vs. 2028) to take advantage of corridor work.
On Highway 29, staff explained the county has a state appropriation to replace a constrained box culvert between Geneva and Lamadoo with a bridge. That work requires state bridge‑office approvals; if final designs and approvals are complete by the end of May, staff said an aggressive construction window in late 2026 could be possible, but they rated 2027 as the more likely construction year.
Why it matters: Stationary infrastructure and active‑transportation improvements affect travel patterns, non‑motorized connectivity and construction detours. Close coordination among utilities, MnDOT, the state bridge office and local contractors will determine whether projects can be built earlier or must wait until 2027.
What’s next: The county will advertise bids for the McKay path (bid opening mid‑May) and coordinate utility moves early to consolidate work. For the bridge, staff will pursue final approvals and monitor the state schedule.
