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COUNTY HIGHWAY 48 (BIXBY RD) CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Owatonna, Minn. – An intersection and railroad crossing improvement project under construction at County Highway 48 (Bixby Road) and 18th Street Southeast has been further delayed due to requirements from the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad, officials from Steele County, City of Owatonna, and Owatonna School District reported.
With desire to get the project completed before the new Owatonna High School opens, officials obtained assurances from the railroad that agreements and permits would soon be issued for the joint county, city, and school district project and began the project June 12. Permits to bore storm water, water, gas, and electric utilities under the tracks required the contractor’s work plan which was only available after the project’s contractor was identified. Despite efforts by the contractor, engineering firms, and officials to get the required railroad authorizations, the railroad’s review process has caused significant delays to the project.
Officials are estimating that permits to allow most of the work to resume will be obtained in the next two weeks. While officials have confidence that the contractor will expedite construction as best as possible, the original goal to complete it by school opening may not be likely. School officials are making plans to accommodate bus routes if the road is not open.
The highway is anticipated to be reopened to traffic early fall.
The project is constructing a roundabout at the Bixby Road and 18th Street SE intersection to improve safety, especially for young drivers from the high school, and to address anticipated traffic volume increases.
Steele County advises motorists to drive with caution and slow down through work zones for their own safety and for the safety of the construction crews.
For updates on this or other Steele County Highway construction projects, visit:
https://www.steelecountymn.gov/highway/construction_projects.php .
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