2026 18th Street SE Reconstruction

The portion of 18th Street SE from Austin Road to just east of Cornerstone Lane is slated for reconstruction in 2026. The need is driven by aging infrastructure, improving safety, and providing multimodal transportation facilities to a corridor outlined in our Park and Trail System Master Plan. The project includes a multi-use trail for pedestrians and bicyclists, upgraded pavement and utilities and stormwater management enhancements. The project will consist of a phased approach to reconstruct the roadway in an efficient manner to minimize construction costs, impacts to local property owners and the traveling public.

City staff applied for and received federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for $490,729. To qualify, projects must serve a transportation purpose for nonmotorized modes. They primarily serve a commuting purpose, connect two destinations or connect people to recreational destinations. Additional funding will come from other Federal Funding in the amount of $1,548,800, State Aid Funds, Capital Improvement Funds, Special Assessments, and contributions from Owatonna Public Utilities and sanitary and stormwater funds.

The City is working with SEH on the project’s design and construction administration due to the intricacies involved with a federally and state funded project.

Project Maps, Documents and Resources

Project Location Map (PDF)
Presentation Boards from the November 17 Open House: 18th Street SE Project Overview (PDF)
Preliminary Layout (PDF)

Public Engagement

A Public Hearing regarding preliminary assessments will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2 during the regular City Council Meeting at the Charles S. Crandall Center located at 540 West Hills Circle. Any person who has a desire to be heard concerning the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Communication & Updates

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Please contact us with any questions or concerns by phone at 507-444-4350, email Public Works, or complete the form below. Please do not use the form below to communicate regarding urgent matters.

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FAQs

Why is this project being completed?

The City received Federal Funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to be used to facilitate the construction of the trail connection from Austin Road to Bixby Road. This is Phase 2 of a two-part grant allocation to connect the trail along 18th Street from Linn Drive to Bixby Road. The need for this trail segment was identified in 2012 as part of the City’s Sidewalks and Trails Plan and then reinforced in the Parks and Trails System Master Plan that was adopted in 2020. The funding to create the trail along with the condition and age of the road, existing utilities and drainage improvements were all considered in selecting this project. There was also additional federal funding that the City was awarded to help with the reconstruction of the roadway.

When will 18th Street SE be done from Austin Road to Bixby Road?

We are currently in the design phase for the project which will last the remainder of this year (2025). Our goal is to go out for bid and select a contractor to complete the work in the early part of 2026 with construction most likely beginning in late spring 2026.

What side of the street will the trail be on?

The 10’ wide multi-modal trail will be on the north side of the street to maintain connectivity to the newly constructed trail west of Austin Road and the future trail connection planned for east of Bixby Rd. Placing the trail on the north side also reduces overall project cost as it avoids the need to relocate the existing powerline on the south side of the road.

How is the project funded?

City staff applied for and received federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). To qualify, projects must serve a transportation purpose for nonmotorized modes. They primarily serve a commuting purpose, connect two destinations or connect people to recreational destinations.

Additional funding will come from other Federal Funds, State Aid Funds, Capital Improvement Funds, Special Assessments, and contributions from Owatonna Public Utilities, sanitary and stormwater funds.

Who will be responsible for maintenance on the added trail?

Similar to all other city trails, city staff will maintain the trail segment planned between Austin Road and Bixby Road.

Maintenance activities will include snow removal, seal coating, patching, paving, etc.

I was not able to attend an open house event, how do I offer feedback?

A feedback form is available on the project webpage: 2026 18th Street SE Reconstruction

Please utilize this form to offer feedback or ask a question for staff to respond to. All forms received regarding the project will be added to the project file for future reference.

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