Blake Road - 2022 / 2023 Roadway Reconstruction

The final layer of pavement was placed this week. Pavement markings and regulatory signs are scheduled towards the end of next week. If the remaining work goes as scheduled, the road will be open before Thanksgiving and potentially the weekend before. Thanks for all the patience with this project.

The area south of Mirror Lake is making great progress. The concrete curb was installed this week. The first two layers of blacktop is scheduled for next week along with concrete sidewalks. If everything goes as planned, the final layer of blacktop would occur the first week of November. Recall after the final layer of blacktop is placed, pavement markings and signs need to be installed before we can re-open the road to traffic. It is anticipated that it will re-open before Thanksgiving. The project team appreciates all the patience with the longer than expected project.

As most people already know, the north half of the project is complete and open to traffic. The area south of Mirror Lake is still closed to traffic as the contractor finishes up. All underground utilities are complete, road grading is in process and concrete curb is tentatively scheduled for the first week of October. Progress also continues on the stone retaining walls. Of note is that the railings that will be placed on top of the wall near the sidewalks will be installed at a later date due to fabrication time.

Interlachen Boulevard is open east of Blake Road, and Blake Road is open between the land bridge and the Edina / Hopkins city limits. Blake Road continues to be closed south of the land bridge. See the map for details.

Problems with the water system valves on Interlachen Boulevard require an emergency water shutoff today, 8/16. The contractor is working as quickly as possible to restore water service, but it’s anticipated that the shutdown will last until 6 PM. Affected streets include those on Interlachen Boulevard west of Blake Road.

Phase 1 2023 of the Blake Road Street Reconstruction Project is nearing completion. The final layer of pavement is scheduled for the week of August 14 with pavement marking the week of August 21. Traffic signs and pavement markings need to be installed before we re-open Blake and Interlachen from Hopkins to the Grandview District. Looks like it will be open for the first day of school on August 28. Phase 2 of 2023 is meeting a major milestone this week. Sheet piling should be complete today. This is a very loud and disruptive operation. We thank the residents for the patience.

The contractor continues to make progress north of the land bridge in Phase 1 2023. Forming and pouring all the concrete walls and slabs are taking a little longer than expected. It appears the road won't be ready for traffic until early August. For safety purposes, continue to stay out of the project area. Thanks

See the Road Closure Phasing and Phasing Graphic for reference.

The Contractor continues to make good progress in the 2023 Phase 1, north of the land bridge. To keep the project moving towards completion, the contractor is going to start 2023 Phase 2, south of the land bridge. On June 12, 2023 Phase 2 will be closed to all traffic except local traffic. During the week of June 12, Phase 1 work includes concrete pours of the walls and sidewalks along with street grading. In Phase 2, the contractor will remove the guard rail and prep for sheet pile installation. During the week of June 19, Phase 2 work will include sheet pile installation. This work has vibrations and is loud. The contractor is required to monitor vibrations during this work. Thanks for your patience as we continue with this project.

We continue to get questions on completion dates. Please see the March 6 update to phasing details. Phase 1 is tentatively scheduled for completion mid-July. Phase 2 is tentatively schedule for completion mid-October. The contractor is making great progress on the sheet pile walls. The existing street will be recycled next week and underground utilities will be started. Please stay out of the road closure and the work zone. It is not safe to drive, walk, or bike. Thanks