Summit Avenue Project In Sauk Rapids Expected To Take Another Step Tonight [AUDIO]

SAUK RAPIDS - The Sauk Rapids City Council is expected to take another step tonight (Monday) in the plan to close the gap on Summit Avenue.

City Engineer Terry Wotska says the council will be asked to approve the plans and specifications, and the authorization of bids during their council meeting tonight.

Wotska says the project will connect Summit Avenue between 2nd Street North and Cross Street.

Wotska says the plan actually began in the early 1980's.

The Summit Avenue project does have some opponents. Residents in that area have voiced concern about increased traffic, and putting a road through an area that's essentially a wetland.

Wotska says the total cost of the project is about $1.8 million.  About $1.5 million would come from the state through the state gas tax.  The city would pay the remaining $300,000.

If everything goes according to plan, construction would begin in late April or early May and would be completed by the end of September.