By Charlie Mahler
Work on neighborhood flood control projects in Northfield will begin today. The projects — one east of Maple Street in the Sibley Swale area and the other spread across three sites in the city’s northwest neighborhoods – are meant to mitigate local flooding issues.
The city noted in its media release that these flooding issues are unrelated to the Cannon River flooding.
The work commencing today begins Phase 1 of the project, according to the city. City crews will be installing a wetland outlet located in Sibley Swale Park. The Phase 1 work will not close roads in the area, per the announcement, but the Sibley Swale Park trail will be closed during construction.
Phase 1 work is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. Motorists in the area are advised to drive with caution, slow down in work zones, and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Phase 2 of the flood control work is expected to begin on June 15 when crews will upgrade storm sewer pipes on Juniper Avenue, Spring Street and First Street West. Phase 2 work is expected to be completed by mid-July.
In 2020, Northfield updated its surface water model and reviewed known localized flooding issues throughout the community. Most of these areas were smaller, regional locations that experience flooding and threats to structures due to undersized or lack of infrastructure and emergency overflows, the city said.
The city noted that it is prioritizing work to become a flood-resilient community, including by making “smart investments and essential repairs” to infrastructure. Approximately $900,000 of the project’s $1.14 million budget is covered by a Stormwater Resiliency Grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Charlie Mahler is a Senior Reporter for KYMN News. Contact him at charlie@kymnradio.net.
