Construction Duration: Winter/Spring 2026
The City will begin a culvert replacement project on Cartway Road where it crosses Elm Creek near Reynolds Park. The existing 26-foot-wide steel arch culvert, originally installed in 1974, has been routinely inspected and is now showing signs of deterioration. According to MnDOT standards, any structure wider than 10 feet is considered a bridge, and recent inspections have confirmed the need for replacement.
Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and will require a full closure of Cartway Road. To maintain the flow of Elm Creek during construction, a temporary bypass channel will be built. The current culvert will be removed and replaced with two side-by-side box culverts, each measuring 14 feet by 14 feet, in the same location. Additionally, a 44-inch floodplain culvert will be installed to improve capacity during high water events.
Due to fish exclusion periods in Elm Creek, installation of the new culverts must be completed by March 15, 2026. After the culverts are in place, a temporary roadway will be constructed to restore access. Final roadway construction will resume in May (the Spring), once weather conditions and material availability allow. Residents can expect detours and traffic adjustments during the project.
General Project Information
