By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
The Rice County Board of Commissioners is hosting an open house to receive residents’ comments on the first phase of the County Road 20 construction project. The open house will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault.
County Road 20 is a key north-south route in Rice County, connecting Faribault and Dundas. The four-phase project is designed to enhance roadway safety and functionality while also adding a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
The first of the four phases is 3.75 miles long and is scheduled for the 2027 construction season. It’s expected to include new turn lanes, grading, widened/paved shoulders, drainage improvements, and a new shared-use path. Successive segments are scheduled to be completed in alternating years, ending in 2033.
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Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel noted that the construction could connect to the Northfield and Dundas bike paths and to the Cannon River Wilderness Park.
“So basically, from where you turn off onto County Road 20, just past the Menards, there’ll be a bike path to the Cannon River Wilderness Park. And so, they have plans, they have, I believe, a 10-year plan as they continue along 20, and I think it’s 22, to add bike paths eventually to Big Woods, all the way into Faribault on that side.” – Erica Zweifel, Northfield Mayor on KYMN In The Morning
County officials, including Highway staff, will be present during the open house to answer questions about the project. A summary of all comments received will be presented to the board before the project receives final approval. No formal presentation is planned.
Comments on the proposed project may also be submitted online at https://bit.ly/RiceCo_CountyRoad20comments or mailed to: Rice County Highway Department, 610 20th St. NW, Faribault, MN 55021.
The open house will be next Tuesday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Rice County Government Services Building.
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