by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
A call for bids will go out for Phase II of Pinecone Road reconstruction after the Sartell City Council approved advertising for bids at its last meeting.
Phase I of the project began Monday, June 16, resulting in detours at the intersection of 2nd Street and Pinecone Road.
Phase II will involve construction of two more roundabouts on Pinecone – one at Heritage Drive, the other further south at Scout Drive. There will be a “living berm” comprised of coniferous trees to the northwest and southwest sides of Heritage Drive to prevent the often serious snow drifts that can occur there, said Sartell City Engineer Mike Nielson.
Some council members asked Nielson if the Phase II project could include putting a walking trail on the north side of Heritage Drive near the Grand View Estates apartment-complex area. Residents in that vicinity have expressed concerns about safety because of the lack of a walking trail, requiring them to cross busy Heritage Drive to get to the walking trail on the south side. Nielson said adding a portion of trail there would require getting easements, but he would check into it and, if possible, add the trail project as a change order after the bid comes in.
The council will consider approving Phase II bids perhaps as soon as its next meeting, June 22.
Phase I of the Pinecone Road project involves construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Pinecone and 2nd Street S., making a concrete-surfaced road on Pinecone from 2nd Street S. to 500 feet south of 7th Street N., putting in a right-turn lane from Pinecone to the Bernick’s Arena and resurfacing of the walking-biking trail from Pinecone to 7th Street N.
Asphalt made a cracking sound as it was torn from the roadway at the intersection of 2nd Street S. and Pinecone Road on June 16. Dump trucks were waiting in line to take the material away.
