Three Minnesota Projects Earn City Engineering Award Honors
Three Bolton & Menk projects received accolades from the City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM) in both the Transportation and Non-Transportation categories. Chaska’s TH 41 Downtown Improvements and St. Paul’s Capital City Bikeway Phase 1 projects received Project of the Year and Honorable Mention honors, respectively, in the Transportation category and Fergus Falls’ Downtown Riverfront Improvements project received Project of the Year in the Non-Transportation category. All awards were presented at the CEAM Awards Luncheon on January 25, 2025.
Learn more about the award-winning projects!
TH 41 and CSAH 61 Improvements, City of Chaska, Minnesota
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 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 reduces traffic crashes, improves local connectivity, and enhances 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 progress with phase 1 construction in 2022, which included the market structure, parking lot improvements, bike trail extension, river overlook, monumentation, and gathering spaces. Phase 2 was completed in 2024 with additional features like 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.
Capital City Bikeway – Kellogg Boulevard from Jackson Street to St. Peter Street, Phase 1, City of Saint Paul, Minnesota
The City of Saint Paul’s Capital City Bikeway (CCB) Network Study identified Kellogg Boulevard as the southern leg of the downtown bikeway network. The first segment, from St. Peter Street to Jackson Street, connects to the Jackson Street CCB constructed in 2016-17. Phase 1 had a $6.6 million budget and included roadway reconstruction, landscaped medians, a two-way bikeway, increased pedestrian access, upgraded traffic signals, and utility relocations.
Bolton & Menk provided design services for this federally funded project, coordinating with multiple agencies, including MnDOT. The project team partnered with local firms to manage various aspects and worked through conceptual alternatives on a tight schedule.
The team collaborated with city departments to finalize landscaping and maintenance plans and coordinated with MnDOT’s Cultural Resources Unit and the State Historic Preservation Office to maintain the historic nature of Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse. The design meets the city’s multimodal goals and current bikeway standards.
In 2023, the first segment was substantially completed, featuring a wider sidewalk, a two-way separated bikeway, and new trees and landscaping. This project enhances downtown Saint Paul’s bike facilities and connects to other separated bikeways, prioritizing pedestrians, bicyclists, and green space.
Discover the innovative projects that are transforming our communities! Learn more about our award-winning work and how we’re shaping the future of transportation and urban development. Click here to explore our projects in detail.
