Street Projects FAQs and Videos
How was this project initiated?
As part of the City’s Proactive Pavement Management Program, the surface condition of the City’s streets is evaluated every four years. When the pavement condition falls below a certain threshold, the streets are placed in the City’s reconstruction planning process.
What work is proposed?
Every project is unique, but the work typically includes:
- Complete removal and replacement of the asphalt (or concrete) pavement, improvements to the base material underneath the roadway, and installation of new asphalt pavement.
- Spot replacement or full replacement of concrete curb and gutter. Streets which are concrete or do not currently have curb and gutter will receive all new curb and gutter. Additional storm sewer improvements including repair, replacement or installation of catch basins and pipes.
- Replacement of fire hydrants and watermain gate valves. The project may include full watermain replacement, including new water services between the main in the street and the property’s shut-off valve (curb stop).
- Sanitary sewer main rehabilitation utilizing trenchless pipe lining.
- Sump drain pipe installation may occur along the edge of the street. Property owners are not required but can connect into the pipe to discharge their sump pump, downspouts or yard drainage.
When will this project occur?
Construction typically occurs between April and November. The project area may be divided into multiple phases. Each phase averages 10 weeks between when the pavement is removed and when the street is repaved. The contractor determines the phases within the neighborhood and when each will begin.
More detailed construction schedule information will be made available to residents on the project web page.
How much will this project cost me?
Roadway reconstruction costs are funded through special assessments to the benefitting property owners. These costs exclude improvements related to underground utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer and watermain), concrete curb and gutter, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Under the City’s Special Assessment Policy, properties within local roadway projects are assessed 100% of the roadway costs; properties within Municipal State Aid (MSA) roadway projects are assessed 20% of the roadway costs.
Special assessment amount varies for each project, and are impacted by factors including property density, project size, and existing soil conditions.
How and when do I pay off my special assessment?
Payments can be made starting one year after construction. In December the year prior to construction, the estimated assessment will become pending on all affected properties, but is not payable.
After construction is completed, Engineering will calculate the final assessment amount based on final construction costs. Final assessment amounts will be mailed to all property owners in September the year after construction is substantially completed.
City Council will hold a final assessment hearing at the first regular meeting in October the year after construction. Once the final assessment is approved, property owners have 3 payment options:
- Between October and November the year after construction, pay the entire assessment amount in full.
- Between October and November the year after construction, pay a minimum of 25% of the final assessment. The unpaid remainder will roll over to the property tax statement and be payable over 15 years with interest.
- Make no prepayment and roll the entire amount onto the property tax statement, payable over 15 years with interest.
Property owners can apply for a deferral of their special assessment if they are over 65 years of age and meet certain income requirements. For more information, contact Assessing at 952-826-0365).
Are the assessment amounts the same for everyone in the project area?
Properties are assessed based on Residential Equivalent Units (REUs). One single family residential lot is generally equal to 1 REU, regardless of lot size or street frontage.
Corner lots with two side streets in the project area will be assessed 1 REU. Corner lots with one side street in the project area will be assessed 0.5 REUs.
What will be the width of my new street?
If the project involves spot replacement of concrete curb and gutter, the existing width will generally remain the same. Larger pavement areas like cul-de-sacs and intersections may be decreased in order to minimize impervious surface and reduce future maintenance costs.
Streets with full curb and gutter replacement or installation will be designed according to the City’s Living Streets Plan.
Local streets without proposed sidewalks or shared-use paths typically have a width of 27’ (measured from the face of curb to the face of curb) and have parking available on both sides of the street.
Local streets with proposed sidewalks or shared use paths typically have a width of 24’ (measured from the face of curb to the face of curb) and have parking available on only one side of the street.
Collector and arterial streets have different street widths as determined by context.
Will a sidewalk or trail be added to my street?
The 2018 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, part of the draft 2018 Comprehensive Plan, was developed to guide the City’s efforts to create a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle network. Proposed sidewalk and shared-use path (trail) locations can be found in the Better Together Edina document library.
Will the contractor work in front of my house on weekends?
The City’s working hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. No work is permitted on Sundays or holidays without permission from the City
Contractors typically work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the week.
Can I park on the street during construction?
No on-street parking is allowed during working hours once construction begins. Exceptions will be made if concrete work restricts driveway access. Please inform your private contractors and guests of this parking restriction.
Will I always have access to my driveway?
Residents will have access to their driveways for the majority of the construction project. However, if and when concrete curb and gutter is being replaced in front of your driveway, the City requires a 5-day minimum period with no disturbance to the concrete while it gains sufficient strength. There may also be brief periods during the day where a resident may not have driveway access due to construction activities. Property owners will be provided as much advance notification as possible when access to driveways will be restricted.
Notices will be handed out one day in advance of concrete work and driveway restrictions. Specific direction will be given to you for street parking during curb installation so access to emergency vehicles can be maintained. Parking restrictions will not be in effect during driveway restrictions.
Will my road be closed?
In general, your streets will remain open during construction. The streets will be signed as “Closed to Through Traffic”. Occasional road closures may occur for various construction activities.
Will the areas of my lawn that are disturbed be replaced?
Lawn portions that need to be removed for construction will be restored with new sod after asphalt pavement has been installed. The contractor is responsible for watering the new sod for a brief period following installation, after which it is the homeowner’s responsibility.
It takes 2 -3 years to fully establish a strong root system after initial sod installation. Residents are critical to its success!
How are landscaping features, pet containment and irrigation systems dealt with during construction?
Pet containment and irrigation systems are often damaged when they are in the City’s right-of-way.
Prior to construction, residents are encouraged to relocate any plantings or landscaping that they do not want damaged or disturbed.
The contractor is responsible for replacing landscaping features, pet containment and irrigation systems to their existing condition if damaged.
How will boulevard trees be affected by construction?
Though the City works to minimize tree removal as much as possible, some construction activities require tree removal within the City’s right-of-way. The City right-of-way varies but is typically located approximately 15 feet from the existing pavement edge or concrete curb and gutter. Tree removals will be communicated to property owners on a case-by-case basis.
How will garbage and recycling service be affected?
Trash and recycling service in the neighborhood will take place on the same day it currently occurs. The contractor will provide access to the neighborhood to garbage and recycling trucks for pick-up.
How will mail service be affected?
Mail service in the neighborhood will occur as it currently occurs. The contractor will provide access for the postal service. It’s possible your mailbox may need to be moved a short distance from its current location to avoid construction impacts. If so, the contractor will reinstall it for you.
How can I find out important schedule updates during construction?
The best way to stay informed during the project is to check the following website every few days for project updates. Click on the Roadway Reconstruction project associated with your neighborhood. Project pages can be located here.
The project inspector will provide weekly updates on what to expect during construction.
What else can I expect during construction?
Inconveniences relating to dust, mud, noise and vibrations. While these inconveniences can be frustrating, the City will work to minimize disruptions as much as possible.
Private service interruptions. CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy, Comcast Cable and CenturyLink may also be working to replace or relocate some of their facilities in conjunction with the project. These companies notify homeowners separately in the event your service will be affected. Please note, these private utilities are not under contract with the City and schedule their own work.
Potential school bus route changes. The City will notify the school district of the project and the school district will determine if changes to bus stops/services are necessary during construction and will contact residents directly. The City has no control over the school district changing bus stops/services.
Temporary water shut-offs. Water shut-offs are necessary to replace hydrants, gate valves and water services, typically last up to 10 hours and occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Notices will be handed out one day in advance of water shut-offs.
Limited water use. You may be asked to limit water use while the sanitary sewer is being repaired. Water uses may include flushing the toilet, using your washing machine and showering. Water restrictions typically last up to 10 hours and occur between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Notices will be handed out one day in advance of water restriction.
Who do I contact after working hours for urgent matters regarding construction?
If it’s an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact the City of Edina nonemergency number at 952-826-1600. The dispatcher will notify the appropriate City staff of the situation.
Additional Links and Information:
Pedestrian Facilities Master Plan
Bicycle Facilities and Master Plan
Street Reconstruction Informational Videos: