Each summer, the City of Oakdale provides weekly construction updates on the annual Street Improvement Program projects. For more information on this year's projects, visit the City of Oakdale Engineering Projects webpage.

Dear Residents:

My name is Mike LaDoux with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH). I will be the Project Representative for the City of Oakdale Street Improvement Project in your neighborhood.  Each week, we will be preparing project update memorandums to keep you informed of the planned construction activities.  

Receive Project Updates

This initial project update letter was sent via US mail to all residents within the project area. Future updates will only be sent to those who subscribe for updates via text or email. Subscribe at www.oakdalemn.gov. Click on the blue “Receive Notifications”, enter your email address, and click “Street Improvement Updates.” If you would like to receive updates via US mail, contact Terese Almquist at terese.almquist@oakdalemn.gov or 651-730-2734.

If you have questions that are not addressed in this letter, or in the weekly updates, please feel free to call Jesse Farrell, City Engineer at 651-730-2730.  We are looking forward to working with you this summer, and we thank you in advance for your patience during the reconstruction of your streets.

The General Contractor

The General Contractor for this project is Miller Excavating, from Stillwater, Minnesota. The contractor is scheduled to begin work possibly the week of May 22, 2023. 

Project Areas

The project is broken up into different areas for coordination and scheduling. The current areas are as follows:

• Area 1:  Glenbrook Ave N from 10th Street N south to 7th Street N; 9th Street N from Century Ave east to Gershwin Avenue; Gershwin Ave from 10th Street N south to 7th Street N (Starting the week of May 22, weather dependent). Area 1 Map
• Area 2:  Cardinal Meadows Neighborhood north of 15th Street N to approximately 200 feet south of Upper 17th Street N (Starting in mid-June) Area 2 Map
• Area 3:  Helmo Ave Bay N southeast of 15th Street N; Upper 26th Street N from Hydram Ave N east to 15th Street N (Starting mid-June). Area 3 Map
• Area 4:  High Point Drive from 34th Street N (CSAH 14) northwest to cul-de-sac; Hopkins Place from High Point Drive east to cul-de-sac; 36th Street N from 38th Street N east to Ideal Avenue (CSAH 13) (Hopkins/High Point starting late June, 36th Street N starting mid-July) Area 4 Map
• Area 5: 56th Street N from northwest Fleet Farm entrance to approximately 300 feet southwest from the south entrance to Fleet Farm. (Starting late-July) Area 5 Map

Initial Work Schedule

During the first two weeks, it is anticipated that the contractor will start working primarily in Area 1, with the following activities:

• Temporary traffic control devices
• Removal of curb, driveways, trees, etc.
• Bituminous reclaim of existing pavement
• Temporary water establishment

Area 2 work is not scheduled to start until mid-June.
Area 3 work is not scheduled to start until mid to late-June.
Area 4 work is not scheduled to start until late-June and mid-July.
Area 5 work is not scheduled to start until late-July.

Concrete Removal and Replacement

If you live in the 9th Street N, Gershwin Ave N, and Glenbrook Ave N Area:
Because the water main system is being replaced, the contractor is removing and replacing all the curb and driveway aprons. New curb and concrete aprons cannot be driven on for approximately five days. Please make sure that any vehicle you plan on using during this time is out of your driveway before new concrete is poured. You will be able to park on the street in front of your house until the contractor reopens access to your driveway. Please contact Mike LaDoux if there are any issues regarding driveway access.

All other areas of the project: 
The contractor will begin with spot utility repairs and follow with removal and replacement of damaged concrete curb and gutter and the repair of storm sewer catch basins. The criteria used to determine what curb will be replaced is if it is sunken, heaved, or has large chunks of concrete missing in the gutter line. Curb that is cracked, but still functional, will not be replaced. New curb cannot be driven over for approximately five days, which will allow it to gain strength while the concrete cures. The contractor will not warranty concrete that has been driven on before it has cured. Because you will not have access to your driveway for about five days if curb is replaced across your driveway, please make sure any vehicles are out of your driveway before the new concrete is poured. You will be able to park on the street in front of your house until the contractor reopens access to your driveway. Please contact Mike LaDoux if there are any issues regarding access to your driveway, and we will attempt to make necessary accommodations. 

Irrigation Systems, Invisible Fencing and Landscaping

The curb replacement process will require excavation into the boulevard by approximately one to three feet. At a minimum, any private features (irrigation lines and heads, underground dog fences, landscaping, etc.) you may have near any curb that is marked for removal should be clearly marked with flags so the contractor is aware of their presence. If the contractor knows the location of these facilities, they MAY be able to minimize or avoid damage. All repairs will be performed by the City’s Contractor. The City will NOT reimburse property owners for any damage repaired by a private contractor. 

Street Surface Removal

The contractor will grind the existing bituminous roadway and gravel in a process called bituminous reclamation. This process will leave a gravel driving surface on most of the project area. The first layer of asphalt should be placed within 21 days after all the existing pavement is removed. Note: The exception to this is the watermain replacement area of 9th Street N, Gershwin Ave, Glenbrook Ave and 36th Street N.

Road Closures to Through Traffic

There will be temporary partial road closures during the construction period. Please drive carefully as crews will be moving throughout the neighborhood each day. While crews will be working within the roadway, we anticipate only partial or one-lane closures at work areas. Access to driveways will be maintained except during temporary times when crews may be working directly in front of driveways or after curb is poured across driveways.

Again, please keep in mind that although the contractor is required to keep access open to your home, there may be some short periods of time where access may not be immediately available. If there must be a scheduled disruption for any extended length of time, you will be notified in advance. 

Graduation, Birthday/Anniversary Parties, Garage Sales or Similar Types of Events 

If you are planning any large events such as graduation parties, birthday and/or anniversary parties, garage sales or other similar types of events at your home, please notify Terese Almquist (terese.almquist@oakdalemn.gov or 651-730-2734) of the date(s) if you have not already done so. This way we can work with the contractor and do our best to accommodate you.

Driveway Replacement

If you live in the 9th Street N, Gershwin Ave N, and Glenbrook Ave N Area (Watermain replacement area):
You will be getting new driveway aprons as well as partial areas of new driveway depending on the type of work in front of your home. If you are considering replacing your entire driveway, there are two options. You can contact the contractor for this project, Miller Excavating, for a quote at 651-439-1637. The second option is to contact other contractors of your choice to obtain quotes. Be advised that widening or driveway replacements cannot be added to your property assessments. In any case, please notify me about the timing of your new driveway so it can be coordinated between the first and final layer of asphalt being placed.

All other areas of the project:
If you are considering replacing your driveway, there are two options. You can contact the contractor for this project, Miller Excavating, for a quote at 651-439-1637. The second option is to contact other contractors of your choice to obtain quotes. Be advised that widening or driveway replacements cannot be added to your property assessments. In any case, please notify me about the timing of your new driveway so it can be coordinated between the first and final layer of asphalt being placed.

Please be aware that a building permit must be obtained for a driveway renovation PRIOR to the start of any driveway work. The City of Oakdale Building division can be reached at 651-739-5150 with questions regarding permit costs or process, or you can apply online: www.oakdalemn.viewpointcloud.com.

Final Reminders

We hope this information will prove to be helpful to you during the project. Please remember to avoid areas where work is ongoing as much as possible and please keep your children away from the equipment and construction activity. Construction is very dangerous, and we would not like anything to happen. Again, we appreciate your cooperation and patience.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please feel free to call:

• Mike LaDoux, E.I.T, Project Representative with SEH 651-256-0438
• Jesse Farrell, P.E., City Engineer 651-730-2730
• Todd Blank, P.E., Project Manager with SEH 651-490-2017