by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
At its April 27 meeting, the Sauk Rapids City Council approved a resolution to overlay 18th Street N, from Hwy 15 to 9th Avenue N, as well as hold a public hearing on the project at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 at the city council chambers in the Government Center.
“[18th Street] has been attended to as well as it can by public works,” said Terry Wotzka, city engineer at the council meeting. “. . . but we need to pull this thing together before we get more serious degradation.”
Overlay work typically involves the milling and removal of two inches of existing asphalt. A fresh layer of asphalt is then placed onto the roadway, which usually will also receive new lane markings. Pedestrian sidewalk ramps located on the road will be replaced if they are not in compliance with Americans with Disability Act standards.
“We plan to reconstruct the pedestrian ramps. It’s the law . . . and it’s better to do this now,” Wotzka stated, referring to the ADA standards.
The pavement on 18th Street is about 20 years old. The project cost is estimated at $412,077.
Very few properties actually have a driveway leading out onto 18th Street. The Holiday gas station and one commercial lot have access on the west end of 18th Street, while three residential lots have driveways accessing the street near 7th Avenue N.
The council approved the recommendation 4-0, with councilperson Kurt Hunstiger not present for the meeting.
This graphic highlights 18th Street N, from Hwy 15 to 9th Avenue N.
This graphic highlights the five properties which access 18th Street N between Hwy 15 and 9th Street N.
Terry Wotzka, city engineer, presented a report to the city council during the April 27 meeting, recommending the city overlay 18th Street N. from Hwy 15 to 9th Avenue N. The pavement in this area is 20 years old, according to documents prepared by Wotzka and Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
