Final Paving Completed on Pleasant Avenue!

This Week

• This week marked a major milestone for the Pleasant Avenue project as crews successfully paved the final wear course along the entire corridor
• Prior to paving, crews graded the boulevard areas, placed topsoil, hydroseeded, and installed temporary stabilization to protect the newly finished surfaces
• In addition, the contractor is completing the final section of concrete sidewalk on the west side of Victoria Street, marking the last of the concrete work for this construction season

Remaining Work This Year

• The contractor will continue to address punch-list items and minor restoration work as weather allows, wrapping up active field operations as temperatures drop

Next Steps and Spring 2026 Work

• The St. Clair Avenue intersection construction is scheduled to take place next spring, along with tree clearing and several short storm-sewer-runs on the north side of Pleasant Avenue

Access and Coordination

• Access to all businesses and facilities, including the Pleasant Ice Arena and waste collection site, remains open
• Traffic control adjustments are ongoing to ensure safe and efficient travel through the corridor as final cleanup continues
   

The trail is paved, and preparations are underway for final paving!

This Week

• Progress continued across the Pleasant Avenue as crews worked through final preparation and meeting project deadlines ahead of project closure for the winter
• Utility castings were raised in preparation for final paving next week
• Storm sewer structure cleanout and televising operations are being performed to ensure all drainage systems are functioning properly
• The shared-use trail from Victoria Street to the Pleasant Ice Arena was graded and paved Thursday, November 6
• Crews also performed light concrete work, including v-curb placement, to protect the existing bridge footing and columns along the project corridor

Anticipated Work Next week

• Pave the final wear course on Pleasant Avenue
• Complete remaining concrete flatwork and restoration items to wrap up the season’s construction efforts

Access and Coordination

• Access to businesses and facilities, including the ice arena and waste collection site, remains open and maintained throughout construction
• Traffic control and signage will remain in place during paving operations to ensure safety for those navigating the neighborhood and the construction crews

• The Pleasant Avenue project reached another milestone this week as crews began paving the first lift of bituminous pavement today (October 30)
• Before paving, the contractor completed all curb and gutter work along Pleasant Avenue and raised utility castings to proper grade in preparation for this step

Trail and Driveway Progress

• The shared-use trail on the west side of Pleasant Avenue, extending toward the Pleasant Ice Arena, is scheduled to be paved next week
• The trail east of the arena is put on hold for now until utility revision in that area is completed and could most likely be pushed to next year
• All remaining driveways have been poured, and they are expected to be open and accessible by the end of the day on Saturday

Inspections and Next Steps

• The city inspection team is scheduled to inspect storm sewer structures later today (October 30)
• Following the inspection, the project team will work with the city’s inspector to develop a punch list of any remaining items to be completed before project close-out

Access and Ongoing Coordination

• Access to businesses and facilities, including the ice arena and waste collection site, remains open throughout construction
• The project team continues to coordinate final grading, trail paving, and restoration efforts as the construction season winds down
   

Construction continues this week along Pleasant Avenue as crews work to complete key elements of the corridor before the close of the construction season

This Week

• Remove and grade driveways for upcoming concrete pours near the Pleasant Ice Arena
• Pour curb and gutter, with additional pours scheduled to continue into early next week, including the remaining driveways
• Grade the shared-use trail and place gravel base in preparation for paving
• Pour light pole bases to support lighting installations

Anticipated Paving Scheduled Next Week

• The contractor is planning to pave the first lift of asphalt on Pleasant Avenue next Wednesday, October 29
• Once backfilling and topsoil placement are complete, the team will begin preparing for the final lift of pavement to complete the roadway surface

Access and Final Phase Coordination

• Access to businesses and facilities, including the ice arena and waste collection site, remains open throughout all work
• The project team continues to coordinate efforts to wrap up construction in alignment with seasonal deadlines
   

Final work along St. Clair Avenue will be deferred to next construction season (2026) due to seasonal weather conditions and cold-weather limitations on material installation

This Week

• Grading and sand/gravel base placement progressed along Pleasant Avenue in preparation for curb, paving, and trail construction
• Curb and gutter installation continued this week, moving east toward the Pleasant Ice Arena
• Grading work also advanced on the shared-use path along Pleasant Avenue, preparing it for future paving
• The middle driveway at the Pleasant Ice Arena was poured
• In addition, the contractor began installing lighting components, including light pole bases and underground conduit along the corridor

Traffic Control and Local Access

• Traffic control at the Victoria Street ramps continues to operate smoothly
• Crews are currently working on final punch list items along Victoria Street to close out remaining minor tasks
• Access to the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Waste Collection Site remains open throughout all phases of construction

Anticipated Work Next Week

• Complete remaining grading and curb installation toward the neck of Pleasant Avenue and St. Clair Avenue
• Pour the remaining driveways along the corridor
• Finish construction of the east filtration trench near the project limits

I-35E Ramps Now Open – Work Continues on Pleasant Avenue

This Week

• A major milestone for the project! The I-35E on- and off-ramps at Victoria Street were reopened to traffic on Wednesday, October 8.
• The final lift of asphalt is completed.
• Storm sewer on Pleasant Avenue has been completed except for a few runs along St. Clair Avenue, that are scheduled to be completed next year.

Ongoing Work

• The contractor is now focused on sub-cutting the remaining portion of Pleasant Avenue and continuing to place sand and gravel along the roadway in preparation for curb and surface work.
• On Friday, October 10, the concrete crew is scheduled to pour curb and gutter starting just north of the reopened offramp on Victoria Street and extending toward the east side of the Pleasant Ice Arena.

Access Reminders

• Access to the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Yard Waste Site remains open via Pleasant Avenue and St. Clair Avenue.
• Sussel Garages (871 Jefferson Avenue) and its parking lot are now fully accessible.
   

Construction activities are nearing completion along Victoria Street, with major progress made this week across both corridors!

This Week

Along Victoria Street boulevard and trail areas, crews are:

• Finishing concrete work
• Placing topsoil
• Completing turf establishment

On Pleasant Avenue

• Wrapping up storm sewer installation
• Began preparations for grading and finishing the filtration trenches (which are part of the corridor's stormwater treatment system)
• Upcoming milestone, final paving and ramp opening

Upcoming Work

• Pave the final lift of asphalt on Victoria Street
• Open the I-35E on- and off-ramps to traffic
  • The project team is coordinating all final work and inspections to ensure that all safety measures are in place prior to reopening the ramps

Traffic Control and Local Access

• Access to the Sussel Garages parking lot is fully restored
• Access to the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Yard Waste Site remains available via Pleasant and St. Clair Avenues throughout construction
• Traffic control signage and pedestrian safety accommodations remain in place and are being adjusted as needed

• Sidewalk and trail work progresses on Victoria Street
• Storm sewer and grading operations continue along Pleasant Avenue

This Week 

• Construction activities remain focused on both Victoria Street and Pleasant Avenue
• Continued progress on pedestrian improvements and underground utilities

Along Victoria Street

• Crews are actively grading the walk and trail paths
• The asphalt trail on the east side of Victoria Street has been paved
• The team remains on schedule to pour concrete for the sidewalk along the west side
• In addition, pedestrian ramp installation and sidewalk pouring is also planned this week

On Pleasant Avenue

• The contractor continues storm sewer installation along the east side and is performing grading operations in preparation for base work

Groundwater Management at Pleasant Avenue and Benhill Road

• During excavation near Pleasant Avenue and Benhill Road, crews encountered groundwater seepage from the bluff area
• The project team is working closely with the geotechnical engineer to assess and implement appropriate groundwater mitigation strategies, similar to the approach successfully used on Victoria Street earlier in the project

Traffic Control and Local Access

• Access to local businesses, including the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Yard Waste Site, remains available throughout construction
• Temporary parking along the shoulder of Jefferson Avenue continues to serve visitors to Sussel Garages during sidewalk and utility work
• Traffic control measures remain in place to ensure safety for drivers, pedestrians, and construction personnel

Upcoming Work

• Continue storm sewer installation along Pleasant Avenue
• Ongoing grading operations on Pleasant Avenue
• Continue sidewalk and pedestrian ramp pours along Victoria Street
   

This Week 

• Earlier this week, the contractor successfully paved the first lift of asphalt on Victoria Street, covering both the on-ramp and off-ramp sections
  • Crews are now actively adjusting sewer castings and performing televising work along Victoria Street in preparation for final wear course paving

Traffic Control and Local Access

• Access to local businesses, including the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Yard Waste Site, remains open via Pleasant Avenue and St. Clair Avenue
• Temporary parking along the shoulder of Jefferson Avenue continues to be available for visitors to Sussel Garages (871 Jefferson Avenue), while direct access to the main parking lot remains limited
• Traffic control measures remain in place to ensure safe navigation around the active work zones

Ramp Status

• Although the I-35E on- and off-ramps at Victoria Street remain closed, the project team is actively progressing toward full completion
• Due to unforeseen construction conditions, the project team coordinated with MnDOT and received a 15-day extension, which provides additional time to ensure work is completed to specification and under safe conditions prior to opening the ramps

Anticipated Work Next Week

• Placement of sand and gravel - Pleasant Avenue
• Continue storm sewer construction - Pleasant Avenue
  • That work may be completed as early as the following week
     

Construction along Victoria Street and Pleasant Avenue continues to make steady progress!

This Week 

• The contractor completed sand and gravel placement on most of Victoria Street and is now preparing for the next major milestone
  • Installation of curb and gutter is scheduled for Thursday, September 11
  • This marks a key step toward roadway paving
• Storm sewer work continues along Pleasant Avenue and is expected to carry through into next week as crews advance northward

Traffic Control and Local Access

• Access to local businesses, including the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Yard Waste Site, remains open via Pleasant Avenue and St. Clair Avenue
• Temporary parking along the shoulder of Jefferson Avenue continues to be available for visitors to Sussel Garages (871 Jefferson Avenue), while direct access to the main parking lot remains limited

Ramp Status

• The I-35E on- and off-ramps at Victoria Street remain closed until substantial completion of work in the area
  • This is to support a safe environment for motorists and crews

Upcoming Work 

• Install curb and gutter on Victoria Street (anticipated for Thursday, September 11)
• Continue storm sewer installation along Pleasant Avenue
• Begin final grading and preparations for roadway paving on Victoria Street

• Construction along Victoria Street and Pleasant Avenue continues to make steady progress, with a major milestone achieved this week:
  • The contractor has completed storm sewer installation along Victoria Street and is now transitioning into the next phases of the project
• Later this week and into next week, the contractor will begin storm sewer construction along Pleasant Avenue
• On Victoria Street, crews are preparing to begin grading operations and will start installing drain tile as part of the groundwater mitigation system
• Following that, they will begin roadway construction by placing sand and gravel base layers later this week and continuing into next week

Traffic Control and Local Access

• Access to local businesses, including the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Yard Waste Site, remains open via Pleasant Avenue and St. Clair Avenue
• Temporary parking along the shoulder of Jefferson Avenue continues to be available for visitors to Sussel Garages (871 Jefferson Avenue), while direct access to the main parking lot remains limited
• The construction inspector continues to review all traffic control measures along the project to ensure public safety 

Ramp Status

• The I-35E on- and off-ramps at Victoria Street remain closed as construction continues
• The contractor is working diligently toward the planned ramp reopening date

Upcoming Work 

• Start storm sewer installation along Pleasant Avenue
• Install drain tile and begin grading operations along Victoria Street
• Begin sand and gravel placement for the road base on Victoria Street
   

Construction activities along Victoria Street and Pleasant Avenue continue to move forward on schedule, 
with notable progress made over the past week.

Traffic Control and Local Access

• Access to local businesses, including the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Yard Waste Site, remains open via Pleasant Avenue and St. Clair Avenue
• Temporary parking along the shoulder of Jefferson Avenue is available for visitors to Sussel Garages (871 Jefferson Avenue), while direct access to the parking lot remains restricted during active construction
• The temporary speed bump at Jefferson Avenue and Victoria Street has been removed now that sanitary work in that area is complete

Ramp Status

• The I-35E on- and off-ramps at Victoria Street remain closed as crews continue underground and roadway improvements
  • The contractor is progressing with the necessary work to support a planned ramp reopening as soon as September 16
  • If current production rates are maintained, completion may occur ahead of schedule

This Week

• Completed deep sanitary sewer installation at Victoria Street South
• Began storm sewer installation on the west side of Victoria Street, moving north toward Pleasant Avenue
• Began grading for sand and gravel base on Pleasant Avenue, as the majority of utility conflict work along Victoria Street has been completed

Anticipated Work the Week of September 1

• Continue storm sewer installation, progressing north along Victoria Street
• Resume sub-cutting and grading operations on both Pleasant Avenue and Victoria Street to prepare for upcoming base and paving work

Traffic Control and Local Access

 Please note the following:

• A temporary speed bump has been installed at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Victoria Street to support the temporary sanitary bypass system required during deep structure installation
• Access to Sussel Garages (871 Jefferson Avenue) remains temporarily closed due to active construction
  • Parking is available along the shoulder of Jefferson Avenue for building visitors
• Access to other local businesses, including the Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Yard Waste Site, continues to be maintained via Pleasant Avenue and St. Clair Avenue
• As construction is phased in, please follow posted traffic signs and detour routes

Ramp reopening timeline:

• The project remains on a tight schedule with the goal of reopening the Victoria I-35 E on and off-ramp as soon as September 16
  • Coordination and progress on all remaining tasks are being closely managed to stay on track for this milestone

This Week

• Construction activity continues to advance along Victoria Street, with significant progress being made
• Sanitary sewer installation is ongoing and is expected to be completed by Thursday, August 21
• In parallel, utility relocation work also continues throughout the corridor, supporting the broader construction effort

Anticipated Work Next Week

• Complete remaining utility relocation activities along Victoria Street
• Begin storm sewer installation starting Monday, August 25, on Victoria Street and continuing north along the corridor

• Access to parking at Sussel Garages, located at 871 Jefferson Avenue, remains temporarily closed due to ongoing sanitary sewer work

  • During this closure, visitors to the building may park south of Jefferson Avenue along the shoulder

• The on-ramp and off-ramps at Victoria Street and I-35E were closed on Saturday, August 2

  • This initiated the contractor’s 45-day closure window

  • The ramps are expected to reopen the week of September 15, weather and conditions permitting

This Week

• Pavement removal is mostly completed on both Victoria Street and Pleasant Avenue

• Sub-cutting operations were completed from Victoria Street South to Benhill Road

• Deep sanitary sewer installation is actively underway along Victoria Street and is expected to be completed by the end of this week

• Utility relocation and dewatering continue along Victoria Street:

  • Groundwater conditions are creating challenges, requiring active dewatering to support progress

Anticipated Work Next Week

• Complete remaining utility relocation work along Victoria Street

• Begin and continue storm sewer installation, starting immediately after sanitary sewer completion
  
   

• Access to the parking lot for Building 871, located on the northwest corner of Victoria Street and Jefferson Avenue, is temporarily closed due to sub-cutting and upcoming sewer work
  • Visitors to the building may park south of Jefferson Avenue along the shoulder during this closure
• The on-ramp and off-ramps at Victoria Street and I-35E were closed on Saturday, August 2
  • This initiated the contractor’s 45-day closure window
  • The ramps are expected to be reopened the week of September 15, weather and conditions permitting

This Week

• Complete pavement removal along the project corridor
• Began sub-cutting operations on Thursday, August 7, along Victoria Street
• Utility relocation work is actively taking place
  • There are major utilities along Victoria Street that are in conflict with the planned construction
  • Relocation methods are currently being discussed, and groundwater conditions in the area are making the relocation process more challenging

Anticipated Work Next Week

• Begin sanitary and storm sewer installation, starting on South Victoria Street and progressing northward as work advances
• Some major relocation work may also take place
   

This Week 

• Pleasant Avenue closed from Victoria Street/Benhill Road to St. Clair Avenue
• Saturday, August 2 construction activities will begin with milling off the top layer of pavement on Pleasant Avenue and Victoria Street between St Clair Avenue and Jefferson Avenue

Next Week 

• Saw-cutting and removal of the remaining concrete pavement and gutter will occur
• Some private utility work may take place within the project area

Access to ice arena and yard waste collection site:

• Access to Pleasant Ice Arena and Summit Hill Yard Waste Site will be from St. Clair Avenue
• Access will be maintained during construction
• As construction is phased in, please follow posted traffic signs and detour routes for access to businesses

All construction activities are weather permitting and subject to change

July 28 Construction Starts

• Beginning Monday, July 28, Pleasant Avenue will be closed from Victoria Street/Benhill Road to St. Clair Avenue for reconstruction
• Pleasant Avenue is scheduled to be closed through November 2025

Construction to Start in July

• Neighborhood Letter - July 2025
• Property Owner Assessment Notification Letter - March 27, 2025
• 2nd Open House Flyer - January 2025
• Resident Letter - January 2025
• Resident Letter - January 2024
• Open House Flyer - January 2024

• Pleasant Avenue Project Map
• Pleasant Avenue Existing Condition Layout
• Pleasant Avenue Identified Wet Areas
• Pleasant Avenue Sidewalks
• Public Art Potential Locations on Pleasant Avenue

• Second Meeting Video - January 30, 2025
• Second Meeting PowerPoint Slides - January 30, 2025
• Comment and Feedback Summary as of March 11, 2024
• First Open House Display Boards - February 5, 2024