2025 18th Street SE Trail Extension 

A pedestrian and bicycle trail along the South side of 18th Street SW and the North side of 18th Street SE from Linn Avenue to Austin Road has been under construction this season. Ulland Brothers of Albert Lea was the contractor for this project and has been working hard to substantially complete it before the Steele County Fair. This project is part of a phased approach to complete trail gaps identified in the Owatonna Parks & Trails Master Plan. The goal is to create a city-wide trail loop in response to public input. Along with utilizing State Aid dollars, these projects have also received Federal funding support through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Additional TAP funds and a recently received Local Trail Connections (LTC) grant will help complete the next phase extending the trail from Austin Road to Bixby Road in 2026. Thank you to all of the businesses, organizations and Steele County for your support in these projects! 

With the recent addition of the trail on 18th Street SE, there is a change to the angled parking in the parking spaces near the 18th Street SE and Austin Road intersection. Due to the volume of daily traffic on the road and the new distance between the traffic lane and the front of the parking stalls, traditional angled parking no longer meets required State Aid parking rules. However, the State of Minnesota granted a variance allowing 60-degree back-in parking stalls. Back-in parking may take some time to get used to yet has many benefits including being able to safely load and unload items from vehicle trunks that will be directly adjacent to the trail. Back-in parking also enhances safety for motorists as drivers are facing forward when leaving parking spaces which enhances visibility. 

Back-in parking tips: 

  1. After finding the space you want to park in, use the turn signal to indicate you will be parking. 
  2. Stop just past the space (similar to parallel parking). 
  3. Slowly angle back into the parking space until the curb is reached.  

The City greatly appreciates everyone’s patience and cooperation as drivers acclimate to the new parking requirements!

Project Location Map (PDF)

Communication & Updates

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Please contact us with any questions or concerns by phone at 507.444.4350, email Public Works, or complete the form below. Please do not use the form to communicate regarding urgent matters. 

Public Works Project Inquiry

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