Public Works Update

July 12, 2024

Steele County Seal Coating Project

Begins July 15

Crews will begin seal coating Steele County highways Monday, July 15. The roads included within Owatonna city limits are: 

• CSAH 1-Cedar Ave at CSAH 34-26th Street in the City of Owatonna
• CSAH 22-East Frontage Rd (CSAH 9 to CSAH 12) in Cities of Medford & Owatonna and Clinton Falls and Medford Townships
• CSAH 34-26th Street (24th Avenue to CSAH 45) in the City of Owatonna
• CSAH 45-State Ave at CSAH 34-26th Street in the City of Owatonna
• CSAH 48-Bixby Road (US 218 to Chambers Ave) in the City of Owatonna
• CR 190 (12^th Ave NW to CSAH 34-26^th Street) in the City of Owatonna and Owatonna Township.

The work includes spraying the existing road surfaces with bituminous material and then covering with aggregate chips to help extend the pavement life. A fog seal will be applied a few days later, then the pavement markings will be reapplied. The work is expected to take about three weeks.

While the work is in progress, the highways will be open to traffic but there will be lane closures with flaggers.  Expect significant delays during construction operations. 

Steele County advises motorists to drive with caution and slow down through work zones for their safety and for the safety of the construction crews.

View the Steele County News Release and Project Map

"Flushable" Wipes & Sanitary Sewer Problems

Problem

Wipes, clothes, and rags are found in the sanitary system at increasing rates. Many of these products are labeled as "flushable" but while they may clear the toilet, they will most likely cause issues downstream. These products are becoming notorious for blocking private sewer laterals, public sewer mains, and binding up municipal pumps. 

Non-Flushable Products

Items that specifically list the term flushable (but should not be flushed) include: 

• Baby wipes
• Cat litter
• Diapers and diaper liners
• Doggy doo bags
• Feminine hygiene products
• Pre-moistened wipes
• Toilet seat covers
• A wide variety of bathroom cleaning wipes and brushes

Please avoid flushing these products to help prevent costly repairs and backups.

Visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's website for more information.

City of Owatonna Online Reporting Tools 

Have a concern? Report the situation using Owatonna's online reporting platforms. Concerns that do not require an immediate response, such as potholes, broken playground equipment, ordinance violations, and stormwater issues can be reported online. 

The following categories have been established for community members to report issues:

• Ordinance Violations - weed and grass complaints, nuisance complaints
• Parks and Recreation – broken park equipment, graffiti, trails, park sidewalks, park signs, park trees
• Signs & Signals – request a sign for deaf, blind or autistic person, street sign maintenance, traffic signals
• Streets and Sidewalks – potholes, roadway damage/debris, snow/ice removal, curbs/sidewalks, mailbox or property damage due to street operations, boulevard trees, street sweeping, street sweeping
• Stormwater – clogged storm sewer, stormwater pond, flooding, pollution 

When the City of Owatonna receives a report, the area in need of repair is added to a work order list that is monitored City Staff. Reports received may appear to be outstanding for an extended period of time, this is to be expected as staff often addresses issues, such as minor potholes and tree trimming, using a systematic approach and working in sections of town to increase efficiency. Please be assured that your report will be addressed when crews are in the area. Severe issues and ordinance violations are addressed immediately.

Visit owatonna.gov/concern to get started.