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Scott County engineer: Meriam Junction trail on track after flood delays; aims for fall completion
Summary
Scott County's assistant county engineer gave a construction update for the Meriam (Marion) Junction Trail Phase 1: a $22.5 million, 2.2-mile multiuse trail with four bridges and riverbank stabilization. Flooding caused a 2025 delay and required change orders; staff said substantial stabilization work would finish mid‑July with a target of November 1 for full project completion.
Adam Jessam, Assistant County Engineer with Scott County, briefed the joint meeting on construction progress for the Marion (Meriam) Junction regional trail.
Jessam said the Phase 1 project is a 2.2-mile multiuse trail with four bridges, about 3,300 feet of riverbank stabilization and a $22.5 million construction contract led by Ames Construction. Construction began in 2024; 2025 saw significant flooding that disrupted the schedule and required additional stabilization work. To restore schedule momentum, crews did winter concrete pours and a substantial change order to install additional riprap and geogrid per geotechnical recommendations.
A key bridge (Bridge No. 8) received beams in February and decking in May; riverbank stabilization and riprap placement will continue through mid‑July, staff said. Jessam reported the Carver-side park reopening is scheduled for the end of the week and reiterated a target for the overall trail completion in the fall, with a November 1 target cited for substantial completion.
On funding, staff said the project uses a mix of sources: county Transportation Alternatives funds, DNR assistance for river stabilization, a congressional earmark, and ARPA funds contributed by Scott County. Jessam noted a contingency and a budget amendment tied to additional stabilization needs.
Questions from commissioners covered engineering oversight, geotechnical responsibility and contract clauses that provide remedies for design omissions. Jessam said consultants and subs (including the geotech subcontractor) are part of those contract discussions as staff seeks to limit future liabilities.
The board heard the update as informational; staff will return with any required contract and budget actions if further amendments are needed.
