"Just like anything, [this project] really meant getting the right people in the room at the right time and understanding that there are multiple stakeholders here - not just one stakeholder because it's a state highway, but there's multiple stakeholders because it's a major thoroughfare for the county and it's a main street for our city. Bolton & Menk knew the right people to bring together at the table to talk about common sense approaches toward how to accomplish the goals we have for this project."
- Matt Podhradsky, Chaska City Administrator
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 $32 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.
Our team used design flexibility to minimize impacts while still providing full roadway functionality.
This complex reconstruction project converted a vehicle-centric, two-lane undivided corridor to a two-lane divided typical
If a road can be beautiful, Diffley Road is stunning! I drove it several times
The primary goal of the study was to increase safety while maintaining corridor mobility.
Two Bolton & Menk transportation projects earned three Transportation Achievement Awards from the Great Lakes
The Chaska Downtown Highway 41 Improvements project has been honored with a 2025 ACEC National Recognition Award,
We are proud to announce the Downtown TH 41 Improvements project in Chaska, Minnesota has received the
We are thrilled to announce the Chaska Downtown Highway 41 Improvements project has received the ASCE-MN Project of
Named one of the very best workplaces in the states of Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina, and South Carolina! We’re proud to rank in the Top 50 on the list, and even prouder that we were voted in by our own employees.
