Pelican Rapids, MnDOT narrow scope of Highway 59 South corridor work; council asks for refined cost estimates for phases 1 and 2

MnDOT Region 4 representatives and Apex Engineering presented the Highway 59 South reconstruction and pedestrian-improvement plans to the Pelican Rapids City Council on Feb. 10, outlining a three-phase project scheduled for construction in 2028.

Tom Pace of MnDOT and Bob Schven of Apex described the project limits, which include new sidewalks, separated pedestrian facilities and crossings from Fifth Street south to the state line, and a bridge replacement north of Airhart. "Bids are scheduled for November 2027," Pace said, and plans are expected to be completed roughly 14–15 months before construction.

Pace explained funding already awarded through a Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant and the expected local match: "The TA grant was about $850,000," he said; with the grant covering roughly $680,000 of identified work, the remaining local share would be significant if all three phases are pursued. Initial application estimates were previously near $1.7 million; Pace estimated current costs might be in the $1.3–$1.4 million range.

Apex’s design call focused on safety: Pace and Schven recommended separated sidewalk facilities with a 12-foot driving lane, a 4-foot shoulder, a grass buffer and a 6-foot sidewalk to keep pedestrians and bicyclists physically apart from highway traffic. Schven noted that crossings at the Chanty Martin Field parking lot and at 10th Avenue were included in the plans.

Council members raised local safety concerns and usage patterns, including the elementary-school crossing and bus queuing patterns at Fifth Street. Chief Todd Quaintance and Fire Chief Chad Hansen described constraints around sight lines and pedestrian behavior near the school. "We have crosswalks and pedestrian-activated lights," Pace said; council members pressed for improved beacons and marking where appropriate.

After discussion, the council indicated it preferred to refine work on phases 1 and 2 (the sidewalk segments from Fifth to 10th and the sidewalk in front of the grocery/gas-station area) rather than pursue all three phases immediately. Pace agreed to return with updated quantities and cost estimates; the council asked for those numbers to be available in roughly two weeks for further consideration.

The council did not take a formal vote on project scope or commitments to funding at the meeting; members emphasized that any added work would carry ongoing maintenance obligations for the city and that the city must weigh the local match before committing to additional phases.

Next steps: MnDOT will provide updated prices and refined plans for phases 1 and 2. The council will review the estimates before determining whether to program local funds or pursue additional grants.