City of Chaska Receives APWA Project of the Year Award 

The City of Chaska’s Downtown Highway 41 project received the 2025 APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award in the Transportation ($5 million to $25 million) category. This award recognizes a project that demonstrates creativity, ingenuity, and efficiency in the delivery of a transportation project that has had a profound impact on its community. The project team was recognized on Monday, August 18 at the APWA/PWX Conference in Chicago.  

The City of Chaska aimed to revitalize its downtown area 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 local 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 $23 million investment significantly reduces traffic crashes, improves local connectivity, and enhances pedestrian accommodations. The innovative, two-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.  

Explore how this award-winning initiative reimagined downtown Chaska.