Moved tentatively to 2022
Reasons for Project Postponement
- Scheduling of the on-site diagnostic meeting with BNSF keeps being delayed due to COVID-19 meeting and travel restrictions and concerns for safety of participants. BNSF requires that the hired Texas-based Benesch professional services firm is included in the diagnostic meeting since they will provide engineering services related to the relocated railway crossing. The need for interstate travel has delayed coordination efforts required to come to a consensus of the project layout and crossing equipment requirements.
- MnDOT District 3 has begun a TH 210 Corridor Study that will continue to progress over the following months. The study will analyze the TH 210 corridor through the City of Baxter and provide any recommendations that may increase capacity, limit delay, and improve safety. Delaying our project increases the chances of aligning the needs and vision of the corridor in cooperation with MnDOT from a local focus to a regional focus. Delaying our project has been asked by MnDOT in the past.
- Obtaining accurate traffic data to complete an approved Intersection Control Evaluation which is a requirement of the project has been a challenge. Due to COVID-19, traffic patterns have not been normal with schools being closed and the area not experiencing the typical tourism generated traffic. This impacts planning efforts of designing and sizing the intersection properly which we consider too big of a risk to the project.
- Open house meetings and other planned public involvement events and interaction with the City residents for the project has been impacted from the COVID-19 situation. Additional time and resources will be needed to respect any requirement for social distancing and the need of all individuals to feel safe during these events. It is critical that we keep residents informed and involved so we can achieve the desired outcome along with receiving full support of the project. Delaying the project will allow for any needs of additional time and may alleviate supplementary resources to accomplish this responsibility of informing the public.
- The project team has considered the timing of the assessment process. Currently, development of assessment computations is premature given where we are at with identifying the overall project and its costs. A recently identified alternative is to implement sewer and water service to parcels on Perch Lake by extending utilities through private property by easement instead of installation along Foley Road. The public engagement process required to fully vet these options would be difficult to carry out given current Covid19 meeting restrictions and likely public sentiment over public meetings.
- All the work to date will remain useable and beneficial to the project regardless of timing.
- Topographic survey remains in the project location. Additional survey may be justified if the project scope is adjusted to accommodate MnDOT TH 210 Corridor Study recommendations.
- Geotechnical field exploration remains in the project location and can be reapplied in 2022. Additional field exploration may be required depending on recommendations from the TH 210 Corridor Study
- Conceptual design will be carried through to the final feasibility report.
Updates
Informational newsletters may be provided to you periodically throughout the project. This website will be your best source of information as it will have the latest up to date information on the project along with the ability for you to provide comments and complete surveys as the project progresses.
You also can sign-up for our email updates (to the right). We encourage that all residents be engaged throughout the public involvement events and surveys to contribute part of the decision making process.
Construction Timeline
