County, city staff warn businesses of access changes as Highway 29 rebuild advances

City and county officials reviewed plans for the Highway 29 South reconstruction from 8th to 50th Avenue and warned local business owners the project’s proposed medians and altered turning movements could change driveway access.

Marty, who briefed the board, said the city held the required municipal‑consent hearing on April 13 and took public comment but tabled action. She told commissioners the city must either approve the current plan or request MnDOT modifications by June 22 to meet state timelines. “The first step is to hold that hearing,” Marty said, adding that construction has generally been scheduled for 2028 with a full reconstruction between 8th and 18th and an overlay from 18th to 50th.

Commissioner Shane Schmidt and others pressed staff for details on how the changes would affect businesses. Commissioners cited examples including the Coffee Pot and Pizza Ranch and asked whether medians would eliminate left turns from southbound traffic. Brian Navaro, a public‑works official, said driveways are expected to remain but that left‑turn movements will change in ways that could force drivers to detour via adjacent streets. He said staff and MnDOT are meeting individually with property owners to try to mitigate impacts.

Business owners and commissioners raised two near‑term concerns: how access will be preserved during construction and whether alleys or alternate approaches could be reopened to preserve circulation. Navaro said access during construction is a priority and the city will work with MnDOT "to provide access to the maximum extent practical either through Filmore or what have you." He said some access controls may be modified through design adjustments, but that safety is the primary driver of the design.

Why it matters: The corridor serves established businesses and parallel parking in some segments; changes that prevent direct left turns could reduce customer convenience or require operational adjustments by businesses. The city’s plan to meet MnDOT deadlines means decisions this spring could narrow the range of negotiable design details.

What’s next: City staff plan a detailed work session to review plans and maps with the council (the city indicated a May work session to roll the plans across the table). Commissioners asked to remain involved and for staff to press MnDOT on practical mitigation during design and construction.

Attribution: Marty and Brian Navaro provided the project update; Commissioner Shane Schmidt and other commissioners raised business access and construction‑phasing questions.