North Garden Street Reconstruction

The City of Lake City has initiated the North Garden Street Reconstruction Project, a multi-year infrastructure improvement spanning from Monroe Street to Lyon Avenue (US 63). Construction is anticipated to begin in April 2026 and continue through 2027.

The project includes full reconstruction of the roadway and replacement of aging underground utilities, including watermain, sanitary sewer, stormwater systems, and sidewalks. Select properties will also receive lead water service line replacements in accordance with Minnesota Department of Health guidance.

Construction will occur in two phases across approximately eight blocks. Phase 1 will reconstruct North Garden Street from West Monroe Street to West Doughty Street and is expected to be completed by November 2026, at which point the roadway will be usable. Phase 2 will continue from West Doughty Street to West Lyon Avenue (US 63) through the 2027 construction season, with final completion anticipated in November 2027.

The City has awarded the construction contract to Fitzgerald Excavating of Goodhue, Minnesota, who will serve as the primary contractor responsible for carrying out the work within the project area.

As part of the project, the City is also completing electric system upgrades. New underground primary infrastructure has been installed and is currently energized. City Electric Department crews, in coordination with Majerus Electric, are actively transitioning residential services from overhead to underground connections. Once conversions are complete, the existing overhead infrastructure will be removed.

These improvements will modernize infrastructure, improve reliability and safety, and reduce long-term maintenance needs. No direct costs will be assessed to property owners, and residents will receive regular updates throughout construction.

North Garden Street Construction – Final Project Activities Underway

Construction on North Garden Street continues to make significant progress, with crews now completing several of the final major activities along the project corridor.

The North Garden Street and West Monroe Street intersection will reopen to traffic beginning Friday, September 25. During the remaining blacktop paving operations, Monroe Street and Doughty Street will be the only intersections open to through traffic. Motorists should continue to follow all posted construction signage and be aware of minor bumps when entering or exiting newly paved areas. 2026-09-25 Project Update No. 24

Blacktop paving is underway throughout the project, while crews continue completing remaining driveways and carriage walks, grading and restoring boulevard areas, and preparing for sod installation. Lake City Public Works is also continuing to plant new boulevard trees. 2026-09-25 Project Update No. 24

Residents are asked to continue avoiding parking along North Garden Street during the work week while paving and other construction activities are underway. Please also refrain from driving on newly placed concrete for seven days and leave safety ribbon in place until it is removed by the contractor. 2026-09-25 Project Update No. 24 2026-09-25 Project Update No. 24

While the project is approaching completion, residents should expect construction activity and temporary access or traffic impacts to continue as these remaining items are completed. The City appreciates everyone's continued patience and cooperation throughout the project.

Questions?
Please contact Rob Coughlin, Construction Project Representative with Bolton & Menk, at (507) 508-5712 or rob.coughlin@bolton-menk.com.