OSAKIS — The Osakis City Council approved design concepts to be painted on the Lake Wobegon Trail Bridge at its regular meeting on Monday, March 14.
The bridge will be reconstructed as part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation's plan to improve 14 miles of Highway 27.
One side of the bridge will feature the words "Central Lakes Trail" with an arrow pointing left, while the other will feature "Lake Wobegon Regional Trail" with an arrow pointing left.
Mayor Dan Wessel asked about the possibility of "Welcome to Osakis" being painted on one side, as well.
The cost of the painting will be covered by MnDOT, said Sheila Kroshe of Bolton & Menk Inc.
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The project to improve Highway 27 will occur between I-94 near Osakis and Highway 71 south of Long Prairie in Douglas and Todd counties.
The project will also include:
- Reconstructing the road surface (full-depth reclaim) and widening shoulders from Douglas County Road 82/Todd County Road 51 to Highway 71.
- Reconstructing three bridges over waterways near Osakis, including the bridge over the Sauk River east of Todd County Road 7.
- Resurfacing the road and shoulders (mill and overlay) from Douglas County Road 82/Todd County Road 51 in Osakis and Interstate 94.
- Improving access along the corridor.
- Repairing or replacing drainage pipes.
An in-person construction open house will be held on Tuesday, April 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the Osakis Community Center.
According to MnDOT's website, visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the project and talk directly with the project team about any questions or concerns they have. Layouts will be on display for reference.
Visitors can arrive any time, as a formal presentation will not be given.
Construction will take place from May to November, according to MnDOT's website.
