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Mariam Junction Regional Trail: Scott County reports flood recovery, bank stabilization and November completion target
Summary
Scott County engineers said construction of the 2.2‑mile, $22.5 million Mariam Junction Regional Trail continues after flood‑related delays; major riverbank stabilization (including ~33,000 tons of riprap and geogrid) is underway, and the county targets a fall completion with a November opening.
Adam Jess, assistant county engineer for Scott County, gave a construction update on the Mariam Junction Regional Trail project and its recent flood response and stabilization work.
Jess told the joint meeting the project is a 2.2‑mile multi‑use trail with four bridges and about 3,300 feet of riverbank stabilization. Construction began in 2024 and the overall contract is roughly $22.5 million. Flooding in early 2025 caused significant delay; contractors recovered some schedule by pouring winter concrete and completing a key river bridge in the fall. A significant change order was approved to address unexpected scour and deeper-than‑expected river bottom conditions, requiring additional riprap and geogrid work.
The stabilization work
Staff reported placement of approximately 33,000 tons of riprap and placement of geogrid material to stabilize steep slope sections identified by geotechnical engineers. One remaining smaller bridge received beam setting in February and a deck in May; the main river bridge into Carver was completed the prior fall and Carver's riverfront park is scheduled to reopen at the end of the week.
Budget and maintenance
Officials said construction included contingencies and a million‑dollar budget amendment associated with the additional stabilization work. Scott County will own the main bridge; major bridge maintenance responsibilities will be shared with the Carver County Railroad Authority while routine maintenance of approaches will be the respective jurisdictions' responsibility. Annual inspections and inclusion in future CIPs were discussed as part of longer‑term asset management.
Schedule and next steps
Staff said paving, turf establishment, and finishing work will proceed through the summer and fall, and they expressed confidence the trail can be completed by the fall with a target completion date noted as Nov. 1 (year referenced in discussion as 2027). Staff also said they will refine contract language and inspect consultant deliverables to minimize repeat omissions in geotechnical assumptions.
