Frequently Asked Questions

Mill and overlay is a two-step process. First, the top two inches of pavement are removed by grinding (“milling”) the street. The milling process typically takes one to two days.

Once removed, the road is coated with an adhesive oil before the new layer of pavement is placed and leveled (“overlay”). This ensures the existing layer and new layer of pavement bond together properly. Mill and overlay may require curb replacements and the repair of some public utilities (storm, sanitary and water). The entire process takes four to six weeks.

It is considered a cost-effective, quicker and less disruptive means of raising a road’s PCI when compared to other pavement reconstruction methods, and is effective at extending a roadway’s surface life for 20 or more years. 

Full-depth Reclamation (FDR) is the “recycling” of a road. The aging pavement and gravel base are crushed and blended together (reclaiming), and reused as the new base layer. Part of the FDR process includes replacing sections of curb, and adjustments to underground utilities (storm, sanitary and water). Once utilities are in place, the road is reshaped and leveled. The new base layer is compacted and will resemble a gravel road. Then the first layer of pavement is installed.

When utility structures are raised, driveways reconnected and yards re-established, the final pavement layer is placed and the street is complete. The entire process takes eight to ten weeks.

FDR is utilized when existing pavement or underlying gravel is deteriorated to a point where a mill and overlay would not effectively extend the roadway service life by 20 additional years.  

A full street reconstruction is needed when a neighborhood’s infrastructure is over 60 years old and shows deteriorating and failing conditions. During reconstruction, the entire roadway is removed and rebuilt. Infrastructure such as curbs and utilities (storm, sanitary and water) are replaced.

The pavement (or concrete) and base layer are removed before the installation or replacement of utilities can begin. Once utility work is complete, the base layer is rebuilt, and new curb and pavement are installed. When utility structures are raised, driveways reconnected and yards re-established, the final pavement layer is placed and the street is complete. A full street reconstruction takes about 12 weeks.

Full reconstruction typically occurs in neighborhoods where infrastructure is greater than 60 years old, and there has been a recent history of infrastructure failures, such as watermain breaks, localized street flooding and sewer main clogs or breaks.   

During street rehabilitation, some private and public utilities may need to be adjusted, relocated or replaced. Public utilities include storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water main systems. Private utilities include gas, electric, fiber, etc. Turf grass disturbance outside the City’s work area will be restored by the respective private utility company.

During working hours, there will be times when your driveway is blocked or inaccessible. You may need to park elsewhere and walk a short distance. Limited access to your property will be maintained during construction. The contractor oversees traffic control, and emergency access is always available. Driveways will be ramped as needed during the project and fully accessible.  If you have a disability or special needs, please contact the City Inspector at 651-470-6767. Access to commercial driveway entrances will be maintained to the greatest extent possible and interruptions will be coordinated.

During street rehabilitation, some private and public utilities may need to be adjusted, relocated or replaced. Public utilities include storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water main systems. Private utilities include gas, electric, fiber, etc. Turf grass disturbance outside the City’s work area will be restored by the respective private utility company.

If you have an irrigation system, invisible fence and/or landscaping located within 10 feet of the curb, it is possible it may be damaged or removed. Private facilities in the right-of-way are non-permitted and are placed at the property owner’s risk. The City does not restore or replace private facilities in the right-of-way. The contractor should only disturb the area necessary for the work. You may reinstall the private facilities any time after the topsoil is placed in your boulevard and graded.

1. Upon authorization of a feasibility report by the City Council, an informational mailing is sent from the City to residents and property owners who will be impacted by a project.  For projects where full reconstruction is proposed, this mailing is often accompanied by a resident survey, for staff to gain feedback on existing water and sewer utility services, and to identify potential ancillary improvements to consider with the street project (i.e., street flooding mitigation, roadway narrowing/widening, streetlighting improvements, sidewalk or trail installation, etc.).
2. Feasibility Report Open House mailing - An invitation is mailed from the City to residents, which includes the date and time of an Open House and a formal Public Hearing about the project.  
3. Feasibility Report Open House – An event held to discuss the feasibility study and project plans with City staff in an informal setting. Open Houses typically occur at a City facility (City Hall, Fire Station, etc.) or at a facility in or near the neighborhood impacted by a project. The open house is typically held a few weeks in advance of a public hearing.   
4. Public Hearing – A hearing held during a City Council meeting, where the merits of the project are discussed based on the feasibility report, and residents are offered the opportunity to voice their support, concerns, or opinions regarding the project in front of the City Council.  Upon completion of the public hearing, the City Council votes on whether to advance the project to final design. 
5. Contract Award – If a project is advanced during the public hearing, the City Council accepts project bids and awards a contract. This typically occurs within 3-4 months following the public hearing.
6. Construction Open House mailing – An invitation to a construction open house is mailed by the City. Residents can attend and learn more about the proposed construction schedule, impacts to property or access, and meet with City project staff. 
7. Construction Open House – An event held a few weeks in advance of construction activity starting in a given neighborhood.
8. Post-Construction/Assessment Hearing Open House and Assessment Hearing mailing - An invitation to a third Open House event is mailed to residents, which includes a notice of an Assessment Hearing and final special assessment values for the work are provided.. 
9. Assessment Open House – Any event held a few weeks in advance of the assessment hearing, where residents can review with staff any questions regarding final special assessment calculations and payment options.  
10. Assessment Hearing - A hearing held during a City Council meeting, where the final project costs and final special assessments are summarized based on the completion of the construction activities.  Residents are offered the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the final special assessments in front of the City Council.  Upon completion of the assessment hearing, the City Council votes on certifying the final special assessments. 

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