Maplewood approves $11.9M street improvement project; signs off on MnDOT cooperative agreement for Hwy 5 trail

Maplewood City Council on March 23 approved advertisement of bids for the 2026 Maplewood Street Improvement Project and approved a set of transportation items on the consent agenda, including MnDOT’s Trunk Highway 5 improvements.

City staff presented the street project as a two‑area program covering the Walter Beam area (pavement reclamation) and County Road C (full reconstruction). Staff said the work covers 4.4 miles of roadway, the network’s pavement condition index is 37 out of 100, and the project estimate is $11,874,800. The city will advertise for bids with a planned bid opening on April 28 and a contract award item on the council agenda on May 11.

Public Works staff (Mr. Love) said the Walter Beam scope will grind and repave, while County Road C will receive utility upgrades, new storm sewer, curb and gutter. Mr. Love told the council the city is ready to put the project out to bid and walked members through the assessment‑hearing process that typically follows construction.

Separately, consent agenda item G8 covered the MnDOT Trunk Highway 5 improvements, a project that includes a trail on the east side of the highway and upgraded station access. Mr. Love described the cooperative construction agreement with MnDOT and Ramsey County and said Maplewood would be responsible for the day‑to‑day maintenance of the trail and facilities once completed. The council approved the consent agenda, which included that cooperative step.

Council members asked about business impacts during construction. Mr. Sable said staff will develop a business inventory and outreach plan, consider promotional support such as a local “shop‑local” push and explore potential state or county resources to help businesses that can demonstrate losses during construction.

Actions taken: council approved two motions related to the street project (plans/specifications for advertisement of bids, and ordering preparation of the assessment roll) and carried the consent agenda containing MnDOT cooperative agreement authorization. Staff said outreach and mitigation measures will be part of ongoing project planning.