Public Works Update

May 23, 2025

2025 Street & Utility Project

Linn Drive SW/Oakdale Street SW

May 23 Recap: On Monday, the contractor finished work on the replacement of the sanitary sewer main on Linn Drive. No work was completed on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday due to the weather. Thank you for your patience throughout the rainy, muddy week. Reclaimed bituminous material has been left on Oakdale to help with accessibility to residents in the area.

Work will begin on May 23rd to replace watermains at the intersection of 18th Street and Linn Drive, moving south. This is estimated to take a full week to complete. Crews will not be working on Monday May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.

Upcoming Plans: Following completion of the watermain, work will begin on the storm sewer infrastructure. The contractor plans to begin work on Oakdale the week of June 9th.

Planned work is weather dependent and dates are subject to change. Any access restrictions will be communicated by the contractor.

If you have not already signed up for and would like to receive these weekly updates, visit Notify Me.

2025 Street & Utility Project Map.

Vine Street Parking Lot

The paving contractor anticipates beginning on May 29 to finish paving and permanently striping the lot. This will result in a closure of the entire lot from May 29th to June 3rd. Paving and striping are weather dependent, and dates may shift due to the forecast and current conditions. Please note: These dates have been updated since the publication of the May 21 Owatonna Update.

Notifications regarding the lot closure will be sent via Notify Me - Vine Street Parking Lot Closures. Motorists who frequent the lot are encouraged to sign up for these notifications. Paving and striping are weather dependent, and dates may shift due to the forecast and current conditions.

2025 18th Street SE Trail Extension

A Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail running along the South side of 18th Street SW and the North side of 18th Street SE is planned for construction in 2025. Ulland Brothers will begin bringing in structures on May 27th with work scheduled to begin on June 2nd. Structures will be stored near the Fairgrounds Softball Fields. The roadway will remain open, please slow down and use caution when in the area.

Cured in Place Pipe Systems (CIPPS) Project

Work on the CIPPS Project has been ongoing since mid-March. The contractor, Hydro-Klean, has completed all precleaning and televising and has moved on to the lining process. Affected property owners will receive door knockers prior to the lining. Any questions or concerns related to the work should be directed to Hydro-Klean at 1-855-845-5326.

View the interactive project map to see where work will be taking place this season: Engineering Project Map | Owatonna, MN.

Stormwater Management

MS4 General Permit reissuance process

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is developing the next Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit. As part of the permit reissuance process, three separate opportunities for stakeholders to provide input are planned. For details about those opportunities and planned changes for the next permit, please visit the MS4 General Permit website.

At this time, all interested and affected parties are encouraged to provide written input on the current 2020 MS4 General Permit. This may include suggested changes or areas of the permit where improvements could be made, including where additional details or guidance are desired. The MPCA will review comments and may incorporate suggested changes into the new draft permit.

To submit a comment, email ms4permit.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line: 2020 MS4 General Permit feedback. Please include your name, organization (if applicable), and your comment. In your comment, please be as specific as possible, including reference to permit item number(s) and suggestions on how the permit could be improved. The MPCA is accepting written feedback on the 2020 permit until May 31, 2025.

Get Your Mind In The Gutter!

With spring and summer on the horizon, it’s time to enjoy the nice weather swimming at Lake Kohlmeier, hiking at Kaplan’s Woods fishing on the Straight River or taking the dog for a walk. As we enjoy the outdoors, please remember that whatever you see in the gutters will end up in the Straight River. Grass clipping, pet waste and trash lying on the street will be washed into the storm sewers during rain events.

Debris in the street can also plug catch basins and prevent the stormwater from flowing as designed into the structures. Please help keep Owatonna’s gutters clean! When mowing, blow grass clippings away from the gutter and back into the yard. If clippings do get into the gutter, take a moment to sweep them up.

During walks around town, bring a bag to pick up trash that might collect in the catch basins. If you have a catch basin in front of your property, make sure debris does not collect on top of it and cause localized flooding. Remember, the waterfront is as close as your nearest street catch basin!

Construction season has arrived. slow down exercise caution and pay attention

Spring has arrived and there are many crews working on or near the roadway. Please SLOW DOWN, exercise caution and pay close attention when approaching any work crews, cones, barricades, etc. Thank you for your patience as the construction season gets underway. Motorist diligence is key in ensuring worker safety.