Downtown Owatonna Detour Starts Monday

The North Cedar Streetscape Project in Owatonna begins with its first road closure on Monday, June 21. A news release from the City of Owatonna says, "Weather permitting, North Cedar Avenue from Rose Street to Pearl Street will be closed to both directions of traffic, including the intersections of Rose St (CSAH 19) and Cedar Ave and Pearl St and Cedar Ave."

"Traffic will be routed around the work area via (CSAH 45) Oak Ave, East Main St and North Elm Ave." Intersections with Vine Street and Broadway Street will remain open during this stage of the project. "Pedestrian access is to be maintained to all businesses along N. Cedar Avenue throughout the project."

In tandem with the North Cedar closing, Steele County announces that Rose Street from Oak to Elm will be closed. The detour uses Hoffman, Oak, Main and Elm according to a news release from the county. Work on Rose is expected to last about 30 days. Find updates on Steele County Highway projects here.

As work progresses over the summer, different portions of the North Cedar and intersecting streets will be closed. Repaving should be complete before the end of the year. Work to alleys and landscaping will happen in 2022.

To get the full scoop on the North Cedar Streetscape Project click here. A slide scale on the website gives you the chance to see the 'before' and 'after' look of North Cedar. Parking will go from diagonal to parallel, and more trees will line the street.

UPDATE ON THE WEST BRIDGE STREET RECONSTRUCTION

Phase One continues on the West Bridge Street reconstruction work in Owatonna. Water main and culvert were a couple of the big aspects of the last week of work. This week sand base and Class 5 aggregate will be placed. Paving is expected around July 5. It takes about two weeks to cure before vehicle traffic can begin.

The first phase should conclude around mid-July. The overall project is estimated to last until the end of October.