2025 IGH Pavement Management Initiative - Barbara Avenue & 46th Street Area
Resident Concerns and Comments:
I wanted to reach out to address the comments and concerns raised about the City’s 2025 Pavement Management Initiative (PMI) in the Groveland neighborhood at the July 14th City Council Meeting.
I want to start by saying full reconstruction projects of this size are substantial undertakings and, by nature, can be highly disruptive during construction. That said, it is the City’s intent to leave the neighborhood in significantly better condition for the long term.
Assessments and Cost Concerns
Some residents have asked about potential increases to assessments. At this time, there is no indication that assessments will increase. The contract is based on fixed unit prices, and the City only pays for completed work that meets specifications—regardless of how long it takes to finish. No significant changes have been made to the project’s scope or design that would impact the cost.
Project Timeline
The contractor has been working continuously throughout the summer, and construction is expected to continue through late fall and into next spring. Final restoration and minor finishing items are anticipated to be completed next spring. This timeline remains consistent with the City’s expectations for a project of this size and scope. Tree stumps left from removals will be addressed as part of the project’s final restoration work, after major road and utility construction is complete.
Driveway Replacement Standards
All concrete driveways are being replaced to the City’s standard: 6-inch aggregate base with 6-inch thick, non-reinforced concrete with air entrainment. Air entrainment allows the concrete to expand and contract through freeze/thaw cycles, helping reduce cracking and eliminating the need for reinforcement bars or mesh.
Water Service Disruptions
Residents will receive advance notice for planned water service disruptions via door hangers or flyers. However, some recent disruptions were unplanned as a result of unexpected circumstances:
- One involved a City gate valve that was mistakenly believed to be open, causing a temporary outage.
- Another was an emergency shutoff due to a leaking temporary service.
In such emergency situations, the contractor has been instructed to notify residents as best they can. If residents experience any disruptions with their temporary water service they are encouraged to contact the contractor’s 24/7 phone number, (218)-259-6785, as they are best equipped to address the issue. You may also reach out directly to the City’s on-site inspector, Nick Hahn - (651) 470-6767 during working hours (7 AM – 7 PM weekdays).
47th & Bacon Intersection
The 47th & Bacon intersection is one of the more difficult areas in the project. The intersection is the lowest point in the project area and the location where both the storm and sanitary sewer systems are at their lowest points before leaving the neighborhood. Additionally, this location contains some of the worst soil conditions in the area. While these challenges have extended the closure of the intersection, the City planned accordingly to reconstruct the area to meet current roadway design requirements. Geotechnical studies were conducted during design, which confirmed its poor condition. Our plans accounted for the corrective materials needed and the proposed assessment amount accurately represents the cost of the work being performed.
Project Coordination
It’s important to note that three separate projects are currently underway in the Groveland neighborhood: the 2025 Pavement Management Initiative (PMI), improvements to the City park, and utility work by Xcel Energy. The 2025 PMI project is the largest and most impactful of the three. To minimize disruptions and streamline progress, representatives from each project team meet weekly to coordinate their efforts and ensure alignment across all activities.
Communications and Updates
The City’s weekly updates are intended to provide a high-level summary without overpromising, as weather, material supply, and subcontractor availability can affect timelines. However, based on resident feedback, the City will begin issuing more frequent and detailed updates to reflect real-time field conditions and project status moving forward.
Emergency Access
Emergency access remains a top priority. The City is coordinating with emergency services to inform them of closures and ensure response routes remain viable. While road closures are necessary during active utility work, temporary access is restored each evening and on weekends, though it may be limited to a gravel surface. In rare cases, utility work directly in front of a property may temporarily block direct access. Emergency responders are aware of these conditions and are prepared to provide assistance even if driveway access is unavailable.
If you have any other questions comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to David Ray, Asst. City Engineer by email: dray@ighmn.gov or call 651-450-2541.
City Contact:
Please contact David Ray, Asst. City Engineer by email: dray@ighmn.gov or call 651-450-2541.
More info at: www.ighmn.gov/pavement
* * * * * * *
If you no longer wish to receive these messages, you may manage your preferences and unsubscribe at any time by visiting: www.ighmn.gov/list.asp?mode=del.
Please note, we will not sell or give your email address to any organization without your explicit permission.