Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Roundabout costs increasing in Mayer



MAYER, MN – Mayer City Council heard some unwelcome news from city engineers Dave Martini and Andrew Budde during a workshop meeting April 28.

The engineers presented an update on the proposed roundabout project on Highway 25 and 62nd Street. The city, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and Mayer Lutheran High School are all paying part of the cost.

Due mainly to design changes required by MnDOT, the cost of the project has increased by about a quarter of a million dollars, bringing the total for the project to about $1.3 million, according to Martini.

This breaks down to $391,000 from MnDOT, $534,000 from Mayer Lutheran, $364,500 from the city, and $38,000 for a water main extension to add a fire hydrant on the north side of the school.

The new cost information had not yet been presented to Mayer Lutheran, but Martini said he would arrange a meeting with school representatives.

The increased cost led some council members to consider whether they want to move forward with the project.

Council Member Tice Stieve-McPadden asked how much the city has invested in the project so far.

City Administrator Luayn Ruch-Hammond said the city has already spent more than $100,000 on engineering costs for the project this year.

The most recent changes include lengthening the legs of the roundabout and the concrete medians, and widening the legs. These are changes MnDOT has required since the last time a layout was presented to the council, Jan. 31.

The estimated price includes standard lighting. Decorative lighting, estimated at about $150,000, will be listed as an alternate on bid documents.

The next step is for the engineers to submit the updated plan to MnDOT for final approval.

The project can then be advertised for bids.

The council will be able to decide at that point if it wants to move forward with the project.

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