Chaska and Fergus Falls Projects Earn 2024 APWA-MN Awards
Two Bolton & Menk projects have received Project of the Year Awards from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA-MN) for their outstanding contributions to public works throughout the State of Minnesota. The Downtown TH 41 Improvements project in Chaska, Minnesota has received Transportation Project of the Year honors and the Downtown Riverfront Improvements project in Fergus Falls, Minnesota received Project of the Year honors in the Outstate category. These projects were recognized at this year’s APWA-MN Fall Conference on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
TH 41 Downtown Improvements, City of Chaska, Minnesota
The City of Chaska aimed to revitalize its downtown to become a central hub for community activities, reflecting its historic charm and small-town values. However, the transportation network, featuring State Highway 41 and County Highway 61, posed significant challenges. These major highways, essential for regional traffic, created a difficult environment for residents, businesses, and pedestrians, hindering the city’s vision.
To address these challenges, a collaborative effort involving the City of Chaska, MnDOT, Carver County, and Bolton & Menk was initiated. The project involved a comprehensive review of various engineering and planning measures to balance local and regional transportation needs. Through partnerships and compromises, the team evaluated multiple alternatives, including different lane configurations, to find a solution that met the needs of all stakeholders. Bolton & Menk facilitated the agencies in identifying a vision supported by all.
The project, completed in October 2023, resulted in a transportation system rooted in strong partnerships and flexible design. The $32 million investment significantly reduced crashes, improved local connectivity, and enhanced pedestrian accommodations. The innovative 2-lane section with local access and beautification efforts transformed Highway 41, serving as a model for future projects. This holistic approach successfully integrated local and regional goals, revitalizing downtown Chaska as envisioned.
Downtown Riverfront Improvements, City of Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Early in 2018, Fergus Falls adopted a Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan aimed at uncovering economic and recreational opportunities along the Ottertail River corridor. Bolton & Menk was enlisted to guide the city through the planning process.
By 2021, with the final master plan and funding in place, Bolton & Menk developed design documents for a segment of the downtown riverfront. The proposed enhancements included a versatile river market structure, regional bike and pedestrian improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and public spaces like a splash pad, all shaped by community feedback gathered through meetings, events, surveys, and social media.
With these plans finalized, the city pursued and obtained funding to proceed with phase one of construction in 2022, which included the market structure, parking lot improvements, bike trail extension, river overlook, monumentation, and gathering spaces. Phase two was completed in 2024 with additional features including a splash pad, interactive river feature, public art, shade structures, multiple gathering spaces, and a public restroom building.
Because of the innovative planning, engineering, and landscape architecture, the city has a beautiful downtown riverfront area that attracts users from across the region.
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