Owatonna Public Works Buildings

Public Works Update

March 21
Traffic Signal

18th Street & Cedar Traffic Signal Repair

The repair of the traffic signal cabinet at the 18th Street and Cedar Avenue intersection is expected to be completed on March 31. Thank you for your patience as staff has worked to coordinate the replacement of the damaged cabinet. 
Before and after photo of lining pipe

2025 Cured in Place Pipe System Project

Begins March 24

The 2025 Cured in Place Pipe Systems (CIPPS) Project is scheduled to begin on March 24. The project involves precleaning and jetting old clay sanitary sewer lines and then lining with a flexible resin liner that helps to reduce inflow and infiltration. It’s important to reduce I&I as this creates additional, unnecessary treatment of groundwater as it is sent to the Wastewater Treatment Facility.  This process also helps extend the life of sanitary lines. 

The first step is jetting which consists of using a "Jetter Truck" that carries 1,200 gallons of water and 600 feet of hose to clean sewer mains. The hose is fed down through a manhole into the main sewer lines. Once the hose is in place, a pump is turned on to send water through the hose and out a specialized jetting nozzle that operates at roughly 1200-1800psi. The nozzle is fed upstream to the next manhole (typically 300-350 ft runs) and then pulled back slowly to loosen up and remove the debris that are built up in the pipe. This debris ranges from wipes, sand/grit, grease, and solids. Once the solids are pulled back to the manhole, they are either flushed downstream or vacuumed out into the debris box of the Jetter/vac truck.

City residents may experience gurgling noises and the occasional odor. Residents and business owners are advised to fill their drain traps after the jetting is completed in front of their house or business. The vacuum that is created during the cleaning process may pull water out of the traps leaving them dry, which can cause odors. It is recommended that, if possible, residents leave their toilet seats down to avoid infrequent, but potential air coming up through the toilet. The contractor will utilize as low pressure as practical to prevent this, but it may happen on occasion depending on various factors. 

This project includes various sections of sanitary sewer pipe throughout Owatonna. Click here to view an interactive map with project segments. 
Owatonna Compost Site Tentatively Opening March 31

A tentative opening date for the Owatonna Compost Site has been set for March 31, pending weather and site conditions. We will post a confirmed opening date in the coming weeks. 

By the Yard is looking for feedback to ensure the site operations meet the community’s needs. Please complete this short survey to submit input Owatonna Compost Site Survey
Postcard for the 18th st SE reconstruction project open house. March 25 2025 4:30-6pm at the Owatonna highschool foundation room

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 is in the early stages of design and an open house will be held March 25 from 4:30 until 6 p.m. in the Owatonna High School Foundation Room. 

Residents are encouraged to stop in anytime during the open house to engage with City staff, hear about the upcoming project and offer feedback. There will not be a formal presentation. Please enter through the Activity Doors at the northeast corner near the football fields. If you are not able to attend the open house and would like to provide feedback or ask a question, a form is available at owatonna.gov/18thstreetproject.

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. 

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

For additional information about the Public Works Department or other services provided by the City of Owatonna, please visit owatonna.gov or follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook.
downstream film festival flyer

Downstream Environmental Film Festival

March 31 from 6 - 7 PM

Mineral Spring Brewery

Join us at Mineral Springs Brewery in Owatonna on Monday, March 31, for the Downstream Environmental Film Festival with our friends at Clean River Partners! Grab your friends, enjoy a refreshing drink, and be inspired by powerful films that celebrate our land and water. Can’t make this date? Check out the three other screenings throughout the Cannon River Watershed by visiting cleanriverpartners.org/events

To register, visit: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/OS04Odf2mX3VZmbLpwLFDA

Boulevard Tree Orders

Order Deadline for 2025 Planting - April 1

The City of Owatonna will accept boulevard tree orders for planting this spring until April 1. Boulevard trees that have been removed or lost during severe weather may be replaced by request from the property owner for a fee of $100 for large variety trees or $80 for small variety trees. Upon receipt of the order, City Staff will verify the tree size and species requested is appropriate for placement and then order, plant and provide maintenance for the tree placed in the boulevard. All boulevard trees are planted by City staff. Any tree ordered after April 1 will be planted in the Spring of 2026. For more information, view the Boulevard Tree Order Form. 
SeeClickFix poster
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