In an unusual turn of events, neither Caledonia Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder nor former Mayor Robert (Bob) Burns could recall a time when the Caledonia City Council lacked a quorum for a council meeting. However, on Monday evening, February 26, 2024, it happened. With only the mayor and Councilmember David Fitzpatrick present, the council found itself without the required quorum, as Councilmembers Amanda Ninneman, Ryan Stenzel, and Bob Klug were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Rather than adjourning the meeting, Mayor Schroeder opted to proceed with the scheduled presentation by MnDOT District 6 Project Manager Robert Jones, who had traveled three hours to discuss plans for the roundabout at the intersection of Hwy. 44 and Hwy. 76.
Among those present were City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson, Public Works and Zoning Director Casey Klug, Houston County Commissioner Bob Burns and MnDOT District 6 Project Manager Robert Jones.
Jones began by outlining MnDOT’s upcoming projects for 2028, including the roundabout at Hwys. 44 and 76 in Caledonia and an overlay spanning 12 miles from Caledonia to Houston, which MnDOT aims to merge into a single project with one consultant designing both projects.
The first project, a single-lane roundabout, carries an estimated cost of $5.5 million. MnDOT has secured $4.5 million for its portion from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The city is responsible for the Kingston leg of the project which will cost the city almost $1 million. The city was awarded $750,000 through MnDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Over $5 million has been secured for the project. Jones did mention that he does not believe that HSIP funds can be used for snow fence or right-of-acquisition.
“MnDOT is doing single-lane roundabouts all over the state and they are really safe,” explained Jones. A roundabout on the north edge of Caledonia will “help slow traffic going up and down that hill.”
Remarkably, 18 consultants have expressed interest in the project, with discussions scheduled with two more consultants. Jones emphasized the project’s significance, citing unprecedented consultant interest. The consultant would be on board by this coming April or May.
During an upcoming city council session, MnDOT will present a letter of intent to participate. Should the city wish to proceed, the council will be required to adopt a resolution.
MnDOT’s second significant project in the area involves a 12-mile overlay from Caledonia all the way up Hwy. 76 to Houston. MnDOT will be doing a 3” overlay, fixing the shoulders and making them wider, fixing the guardrails, and installing man-make snow fence to control the blowing snow along a three-mile stretch of the road.
The discussion turned to the city’s interest in extending Warrior Avenue to Hwy. 76. The city applied for MnDOT Local Partnership Program (LPP) and was unofficially awarded $190,000 needed for access to MnDOT’s trunk highway. Jones recommends that the city apply for $60,000 as he thinks that is how much it will cost the city to add a right turn lane and a by-pass lane heading out of town.
Addressing concerns, Jones clarified that the speed limit around the roundabout will be 25 mph, with signage and blinking lights alerting drivers. The 45-mph speed limit approaching the roundabout from either direction will not change.
He also discussed landscaping options to enhance the roundabout’s appearance and safety, sharing several examples of how other communities had landscaped the mound. The bushes and trees planted in the roundabout cannot be any bigger than 4” in diameter. Jones added that the purpose of the mound is to make sure drivers are focused.
The public will have an opportunity to engage further during an open house that will be scheduled at the end of summer. It was asked how long construction would take, 2 ½ to three months.
Addressing challenges such as detours, Jones highlighted consultant assistance as integral to the project’s success.
In addition to Caledonia, another roundabout project is planned for Brownsville, underscoring the regional significance of these developments.
The next Caledonia City Council meeting is set for Monday, March 11, at 6 p.m. It will take place at city hall, 231 E. Main St., in the heart of historic downtown Caledonia. All members of the public are welcome to attend.
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