Highway 12 update from Delano

West of the Crow River in Delano:

The contractor has spent much of this past week removing the old roadway, both milling the bituminous and removing the concrete roadbase that existed below the roadway surface.  This removal is being done to accommodate the excavation of utilities, which is slated to begin next week.  The first part of utility work will involve the excavation of sanitary sewer from Rockford Avenue heading south.

River Bridge

The contractor has now completed work on both the east and west abutments, setting the end points for the eventual span across the river.   Those who patronize the businesses on the west side of the river can get a first-hand view of the elevation of both side of the bridge.  The abutments will support the bridge structure, which will carry the roadway several feet higher that the height of the current abutments.  With the east abutment complete, the contractor is now turning its attention to pouring footings for the retaining walls heading east from the bridge.

Most of the bridge work at this time and heading into next week is taking place within the river itself.  The contractor started pilings on the easterly pier this week to establish the support needed its construction.  The westerly pier is shortly behind the pace of its partner, but is starting to establish its location as well.

4^th Street to 9^th Street

Last week’s update targeted this section to be paved this week, however weather conditions and the availability of materials has slightly delayed this anticipated improvement.  Currently, the contractor is targeting early next week for the paving activities.  Presently, the contractor is tolerencing (fine tuning the final grade) the gravel base in preparation for paving.

7^th Street Connection

The contractor has worked very rapidly on the construction of the new 7^th Street alignment.  This road, which serves primarily the Delano Industrial Park, is being realigned from its current intersection near Subway to eventually intersect with Highway 12 at its intersection with 9^th Street (near the medical clinic).  The contractor started work on this stretch around July 1, and it prepared to install curb and gutter already next week.  At the present pace, the City expects this stretch may be substantially completed by the end of July.

Throughout the duration of construction, the City will utilize this format of email to send out information on the project as it comes available.  If there is information that you feel would be helpful that may not have been shared to date, please reply to hwy12@delano.mn.us with your question or comment.  The City’s website – www.delano.mn.us – has a special section with Highway 12 information under the “Projects” heading.  On this site, the City is posting construction drawings and a computer simulated video of the finished Highway 12 project, plus frequently asked questions and the City’s responses.  This site will continue to be updated throughout the project with information as it becomes available.

This message is being sent to persons who registered with the City of Delano to receive email updates regarding the Highway 12 reconstruction project.  If you have received this message in error, please disregard.  If you would like to be removed or added to the email list, please reply to hwy12@delano.mn.us and specify your request.