Public Works Update

July 25, 2025

2025 Street & Utility Project

Linn Drive SW/Oakdale Street SW

The curbs on Linn Drive will be completed Monday, July 28th. The crews will then begin completing the driveways.

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

2025 Street & Utility Project Map.

2025 18th Street SE Trail Extension

The 18th Street SE Trail Extension Project is well underway. Thank you for your continued patience and caution as construction continues in this busy area of town.

Beginning on Monday July 28th, paving will begin on the roadway East of Cedar Ave, on 18th St. Crews will be prepping to lay sod from Cedar Ave to Linn Drive.

18th Street SE Trail Extension Map

2025 CIP Overlay

On July 18th, crews began work on the CIP Overlay Project which includes utility structure work, milling and paving of the following areas: Ridge Rd NE, Riverwood Pl NE, 10th Ave NE, 11th Ave NE, Cotter Pl NE, Mary Pl NE, Prairie Ln NE, Leona Pl NE and Ridgeview Pl NE. Milling and paving will continue next week. Please do not park on the road in these areas and use caution when driving through the work zone.

2025 Overlay

The Street Department plans to pave Crestview Lane NE, 15th St NE and Oakwood and Pamela Place and Woodhill Place next week.

Please do not park in the areas that the crews will be working and use caution when in the work area.

2025 Street Maintenance

Street Maintenance (Crack Sealing & Seal Coating) Roadways in need of repair are first crack-sealed and then seal-coated. Work will begin Monday July 28th. This will last for around 2 weeks. Please do not park on the road when the contractor is in the area. View the interactive map link below to see the areas included.

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

Car Washing

Impact on the Environment

There's no problem with washing your car. It's just how and where you do it. Most soap contains phosphates and other chemicals that harm fish and water quality. The soap, together with the dirt, metal, oil and other automotive fluids washed from you car, flows into nearby storm drains. These storm drains flow directly into our stormwater ponds, ditches and the Straight River.

Algae Problems

The phosphates from the soap can cause excess algae to grow. Algae look bad, smell bad, and harm water quality. As algae die, the blooms sink to the bottom and decompose. During this processes oxygen is removed from the water. Fish and other aquatic life cannot exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

How to Help

Avoid using engine and wheel cleaners or degreasers.
Pour your bucket of soapy water down the sink or toilet when you are done, not on the driveway, sidewalk or street.
Take your car to a commercial car wash, especially if you plan to clean the engine or the bottom of your car.
Use a hose nozzle with a trigger to save water.
Use soap sparingly. Look for soap that is phosphorous free.
Wash your car on your lawn. The lawn will soak in the water.

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

Construction season 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.

https://www.owatonna.gov/700/Report-a-Concern

Thank you for your patience as these projects and other miscellaneous tasks are completed.

Please remember to slow down and remain attentive when approaching work areas.

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