by April Scheinoha
Reporter
It’s apparent that the construction season is coming to a close since the Pennington County Board finalized two of its summer construction projects at its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 26.
Commissioners finalized the County State Aid Highway 8 bridge project. The bridge cost $4,733,417.40. As part of that project, a bridge was constructed to connect CSAH 8 near Challenger Elementary School with a section of what was then known as Mark Boulevard.
Commissioners also finalized the Highway 32 roundabout near Sanford Health. That roundabout was built at a cost of $2,661,800.96.
County Engineer Mike Flaagan said the entire CSAH 8 corridor, which includes the above projects and a related, separate roundabout near CES, has been entered for consideration of various awards.
The entire project was estimated at $10 million with $3 million covered by grants and the remainder by state aid and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Flaagan provided an update on the railroad crossing that runs through one leg of the Highway 32 roundabout. This month, Minnesota Northern will install signals and stop arms at the railroad crossing. That project is estimated to cost $245,977.17, according to information presented to commissioners in July. The Minnesota Department of Transportation – Rails Division will cover $50,000 of the project. The remainder will be split equally between Pennington County and MnDOT District 2. Pennington County’s portion will be covered by state aid.
County Board announced that it is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Red Lake Watershed District Board as the county’s representative. Dale Nelson currently serves in that position. His three-year term is set to expire Dec. 31.
The next County Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Justice Center.