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A second phase of street and utility improvements in the City of Gaylord took another step forward last week.

Council members approved plans and specifications and authorized bid advertising for a street and utility project scheduled to begin in May.

Improvements are planned for the following streets:

• Lincoln Avenue (CSAH 21) from Sixth Street to the East Gaylord storm water pond;

• Lake Avenue north of Lincoln Avenue;

• Fifth Street from Lincoln Avenue to Park Avenue. (Being bid as an alternate);

• First Street East north of Lincoln Avenue. (Being bid as an alternate);

• Lake Avenue East. (Being bid as an alternate);

It was the consensus of the City Council to also include in the plans an 8-foot wide, on-street trail along Lincoln Avenue. This work is being bid as an alternate as well.

According to Black, the project is estimated to cost $3.5 million. Sibley County has committed $850,000 toward the project, Black explained. The City is also seeking nearly $500,000 in funds from the State of Minnesota.

Black highlighted some features planned for the project. He said some curb and street will “neck down” at some intersections to control traffic speed.

According to Black, the four-way stops at the intersections of Third Street/Lincoln Avenue and Fourth Street/Lincoln Avenue will be changed to two-way stops. This change, along with realigning Lincoln Avenue near the park, is being proposed in an effort to make for smoother traffic flow, Black explained. Those changes were proposed by the Sibley County Engineer.

According to council members, access to homes during the upcoming project has been a concern for citizens. Black said workers will be “staging” the project so the best possible access to homes can be maintained at all times.

A bid opening for the project is scheduled for April 22nd. According to the proposed scheduled, construction is set to begin on Monday, May 19th. The project is expected to last six months.