County, NYA tackle roads; temporary admin appointed in Watertown

Carver County

Carver County commissioners recently approved a memorandum of understanding with the University of Minnesota for the proposed Highway 5 and Highway 18 road projects around the UMN Landscape Arboretum.

Meanwhile, work continues on the Highway 212 expansion from Cologne to Norwood Young America. Beginning next Monday, Sept. 23, Salem Ave. will be closed between Highway 212 and 122nd St. until late October. The posted detour uses Highway 212, Highway 51, 122nd St., and Salem Ave.

According to the latest project update, this year, the contractor will be excavating and removing more than 120,000 yards of muck, or poor soils, from across the project area to be replaced with new sand, gravel, soils, and other materials before construction. Project managers point out that solid, stable ground with proper drainage is necessary to construct a road that will last 25 years or more. With a mild fall, crews may be digging and hauling materials into December.

Norwood Young America

A few road projects are set to be complete this fall, according to a recent city newsletter. They include the Railroad Street project, an overlay of Park Circle and Emma Street, and sealcoating on County Road 34. Meanwhile, the new Old Town Project at Wilkommen Memorial Park is in the final stages of completion. A formal dedication ceremony will be scheduled next spring.

Watertown

City Administrator Jake Foster has left the city of Watertown for a position with the city of Oakdale. The Watertown city council has hired a search firm and has initiated the process. Watertown Fire Department Chief Tom Hanson will serve as the interim city administrator through the new hire process and new city administrator transition.