Project Vital Statistics
Total Contract Work Completed To Date: 58%
• Temporary BNSF and OTVR railroad tracks (shoo-flies) are operational
• Approximately 60% of excavation has been completed (160,000 cubic yards)
• Approximately 34,000 feet of structural support piling (33% of total contract amount) has been installed
• Bridge construction has begun on 2 of the 3 bridges to be constructed
Next Major Milestones
• Complete OTVR permanent track – approximately May 2020
• A second period of night construction is expected to follow completion of the OTVR permanent track
• Construct 3rd bridge – approximately May through July 2020
• Complete BNSF permanent track – July 2020
Major Road Closure/Detour Continues:
Traffic should continue to use either 12 Ave or Highway 10 as an east/west route and 34 St S or 8 St S as a north/south route. closure of the intersection of SE Main and 20 St|21 St (all directions) will remain in place for at least a year, likely into sometime in 2019.
Other Travel Impacts:
20 St from 8 Ave to 6 Ave is now open, however, 20 St north of 6 Ave remains closed
4 Ave closed from 21 St to 22 St- reopening expected fall 2019
Oakway and Birch Ln intersection has a temporary roundabout in place - raised bumpers will be removed for snow season
1 Ave and 12 Ave detour routes will remain active
Project Description
The proposed project will reconstruct and realign the intersection of SE Main Ave and 20 St/21 St to pass under new bridges that will carry the BNSF and Otter Tail Valley Railroad tracks over the streets. The project will result in improvements to safety and congestion for vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and emergency services.
The project also includes the construction of new track (called a wye) that will allow direct northbound to eastbound and westbound to southbound train movements. Under existing conditions, trains must travel into the Downtown area, stop, and reverse direction to make these movements. The wye will eliminate delays at the Downtown crossings associated with trains backing up. Construction of the wye will require the closure of 1 Ave S near the wye track.
Project Layout
City Contacts
Tom Trowbridge, Assistant City Engineer
General Construction Questions 218.299.5395
Jon Atkins, City Traffic Engineer
Detour and Traffic Concerns 218.299.5388
Levi Hockett, City Inspector
Specific Construction Questions 218.299.5396
For Other Inquiries
Contact the Engineering Department
Additional Information
Animated Depiction of 20th & 21st St/SE Main Avenue Grade Separation Project
20 & 21 St/SE Main Ave Grade Separation Project Layout
July 11, 2018 - Community Information Meeting - SE Main Ave 20/21st ST Railroad Grade Separation