Road and Bridge Plan approved – Thief River Falls Northern Watch

A bypass road is in the process of being constructed near Brodin Comfort Systems in Thief River Falls. The temporary road will enable motorists to bypass construction work for the future roundabout at that intersection.

by April ScheinohaReporter

The crystal ball has been activated, and Pennington County Engineer Mike Flaagan shared his plans regarding future construction projects with the Pennington County Board on Tuesday, April 28.

The board approved the Five-Year Road and Bridge Plan at its meeting that evening. If all of the projects were to come to fruition, they would cost more than $25.3 million.

Every year, things move up and down in the five-year program, Flaagan said at a public hearing for the plan.

After the public hearing, commissioners met as the County Board and approved the plan.

This years projects include: The County State Aid 8/Mark Boulevard reconstruction, roundabouts and bridge. The project will span from Highway 32 to CSAH17. Two roundabouts will be constructed, including one roundabout at the intersection with Highway 32 (north of Sanford Health) and another at the intersection with Pennington Avenue (near Challenger Elementary School). Two-foot shoulder paving and safety enhancements on CSAH 8 from CSAH17 to Highway 59 The installation of rumble strips on CSAH16 from Highways 32 to 59The installation of a box culvert at the intersection of CSAH 7 and Highway 32 as part of the Westside Flood Damage Reduction ProjectThe installation of a box culvert at the intersection of County Road 61 and CSAH 16 as part of the Westside Flood Damage Reduction ProjectThe installation of culverts at the intersection of County Road 62 and CSAH 16 as part of the Westside Flood Damage Reduction ProjectOther proposed projects include: In 2021 Lighting at the intersection of CSAH 7 and Highway 32In 2022 A mill and overlay of CSAH 6 from CSAH 22 to CSAH 24, and the reconstruction of CSAH 30 from Highway 59 to Barzen Avenue In 2023 The replacement of the Kratka bridge, and the mill and overlay of CSAH 10 (from the south county line to CSAH 3) and CSAH1 (from Polk County to CSAH 10). Flaagan said the bridge replacement project may be completed a different year depending upon its condition.In 2024 Seven projects are planned. I just listed several projects that are on the radar, said Flaagan, who added that some of the below projects will likely be moved to another year.Those projects include: The installation of curbing at the following Highway 1 intersections CSAHs 27 and 28. Flaagan noted this project would be made to encourage truck traffic to use the latter two roadways, as opposed to Highway 89, when traveling to the Roseau area from the Twin Cities.The mill and overlay of CSAH 25 (from Red Lake County to CSAH 3) and CSAH 22 (from CSAH 3 to Highway 1)The mill and overlay or reclamation of CSAH 7 from CSAH 17 to Highway 59 Regrading CSAH 21 from Highway 1 to Marshall County, CSAH 2 from CSAH 17 to CR 80, and CSAH 15 from CSAHs 3 to 7 Reconstructing CSAH17 from CRs 57 and 59. Flaagan noted this project would be dependent on whether the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Authority extends the runway at the airport.

Flaagan also included countywide crack sealing, shouldering and striping as part of the projects for each year described above.

County Board accepted a grant from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund. Funded through the state bonding bill proceeds, the $167,521.90 grant will be used for the installation of the CR 61 box culvert listed above. Flaagan noted that the county is required to pay more than $5,000 for the project.

Commissioners approved the wetland delineation report for a Farmers Co-op Grain and Seed project. The application noted one natural wetland and two manmade ditches would be impacted. The project would require the filing of 0.3754 acres of regulated wetland and 0.4114 acres of manmade linear ditch wetlands. It plans to use 0.7508 in wetland bank credits from Beltrami County for the project.

Farmers Co-op Grain and Seed plans to construct railroad siding east of its existing three rail lines. In July 2019, County Board approved a wetland delineation for its initial project, which involved 4,800 feet of railroad siding. Now, it has determined that it needs an additional 1,500 feet in railroad siding to allow for the loading of a 134-car train. This report covers the latter, and the new railroad will span from north of the golf course road south to the elevator in Thief River Falls.

No work has been done on this project yet, but they hope to start this this summer,said Bryan Malone, manager of the Pennington Soil and Water Conservation District.

In separate motions, commissioners approved four personnel actions for the Pennington County Jail.County Board approved hiring Ginger Alby as a full-time dispatcher/jailer, accepted the resignation of Jail Sergeant Gregory Martinez, and approved internally posting for Martinezs position.

Commissioners also approved allowing Sheriff Ray Kuznia to advertise for two part-time corrections positions. Kuznia believed a part-time employee may be hired for Martinezs position, and he noted there is another vacancy among part-time staff.

County Board accepted a petition to clean about one-and-a-half miles of County Ditch 41 and approved scheduling that work to be completed.

Chairperson Darryl Tveitbakk signed a proclamation declaring May as Bike Month in Pennington County. The proclamation noted that BikeMn, Bike Thief River Falls and the League of American Bicyclists will promote bicycling during the month. It further indicated that they are promoting greater public awareness of bicycle operation and safety education in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities, and improve health and safety for everyone on the road.

The next County Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at the Justice Center.

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Road and Bridge Plan approved - Thief River Falls Northern Watch