SAUK RAPIDS - The Sauk Rapids city council heard updates on two planned connecting road construction projects this (Monday) evening.

First, the council approved the plans for the County Road 3 project, from the west ramp of Highway 10 to County Road 1.

The plan calls for three roundabouts, with landscaping in the middle, there will be retaining walls built, with ornimental railings, and MnDOT will be installing lights at the on-and-off ramps of Highway 10.  The bridge over Highway 10 will be two lanes of traffic, with a 10-foot wide pedestrian/bike trail.

This is a joint project between Benton County and the city.  The total cost for this project is just over $7 million, with the city's cost for the project is $2.2 million.

The council also heard the preferred alternative for a street widening project for County Road 3 - or 2nd Street North, from 3rd Avenue in downtown Sauk Rapids out to Highway 10.

The plan calls for a six-foot wide concrete median, roundabouts at 6th Avenue and at Summit Avenue, and a traffic signal at Stearns Drive.

The cost for this part of the project is estimated at $6 million. Federal and state aid are expected to pay for this part of the project.

This alternative will be presented at a public meeting on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

The council still has to give their final approval on this design option.

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