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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
Public Hearings 7.D.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 10/13/2026
Agenda Item:
Resolution accepting the Feasibility Report, conducting an Improvement Hearing, ordering plans and authorizing bids for Capital Improvement Project 11189; TH 169 Improvements.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached resolution.
Summary:
The Trunk Highway (TH) 169 Revitalization Project proposes improvements from Belgrade Avenue to north of TH 14 along TH 169. This is a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) led project and roadway with city owned utilities beneath the pavement and within the right-of-way. The cities of Mankato and North Mankato both own and maintain roadways and utilities that will be impacted by the proposed improvements. Cross Street represents the approximate dividing line between City of Mankato and City of North Mankato improvements.
Suggested city improvements include sanitary sewer, watermain, and storm sewer improvements under and adjacent to new sections of the trunk highway and city streets. Additionally, there is a roundabout being proposed by MnDOT at N. River Lane that will require the realignment of Range Street to be completed by the City of Mankato in coordination with MnDOT’s reconstruction of TH 169. The realignment includes the reconstruction of W. River Lane and N. River Lane outside of MnDOT right-of-way to connect to adjacent city streets – Hiniker Parkway and N. River Drive respectively. A pedestrian underpass is proposed near the Harley-Davidson building as a part of a trail system that is proposed for construction with the project.
MnDOT held several open houses for this project, with the most recent on September 2, 2026. City staff were present at a booth at the September 2, 2026 open house to
discuss local city utility improvements and preliminary assessments. Property owners on the preliminary assessment roll were mailed an invitation to the open house.
Construction Services Staff is recommending the Council accept this feasibility report and proceed with the improvement hearing. MnDOT will advertise for bids in accordance with the requirements of law. After bids are opened in the fall of 2026, MnDOT will look to enter into a cost share agreement with the city.
Estimated costs and funding sources are noted below:
A preliminary funding plan for the proposed improvements is summarized in the table below.
Suggested city improvements include sanitary sewer, watermain, and storm sewer improvements under and adjacent to new sections of the trunk highway and city streets. Additionally, there is a roundabout being proposed by MnDOT at N. River Lane that will require the realignment of Range Street to be completed by the City of Mankato in coordination with MnDOT’s reconstruction of TH 169. The realignment includes the reconstruction of W. River Lane and N. River Lane outside of MnDOT right-of-way to connect to adjacent city streets – Hiniker Parkway and N. River Drive respectively. A pedestrian underpass is proposed near the Harley-Davidson building as a part of a trail system that is proposed for construction with the project.
MnDOT held several open houses for this project, with the most recent on September 2, 2026. City staff were present at a booth at the September 2, 2026 open house to
discuss local city utility improvements and preliminary assessments. Property owners on the preliminary assessment roll were mailed an invitation to the open house.
Construction Services Staff is recommending the Council accept this feasibility report and proceed with the improvement hearing. MnDOT will advertise for bids in accordance with the requirements of law. After bids are opened in the fall of 2026, MnDOT will look to enter into a cost share agreement with the city.
Estimated costs and funding sources are noted below:
| ITEM | COST |
| North Pedestrian Underpass and Associated Items and Trails not Covered by Federal & State Grants | $467,830.05 |
| River Lane and Areas Associated with Access Relocation/Consolidation | $259,755.04 |
| Federal & State Funding Grants | $3,650,560.00 |
| Sanitary Sewer Construction | $824,172.09 |
| Watermain Construction | $938,600.08 |
| Aesthetics | $400,000.00 |
| Conduit for Fiber | $161,271.95 |
| TOTAL CITY CONSTRUCTION COSTS | $6,702,189.21 |
| Construction Contingency | $192,500.00 |
| Engineering | $211,700.00 |
| City Administration | $105,900.00 |
| Sanitary Sewer Televising for Plumbing Inspections | $30,000.00 |
| TOTAL CITY OF MANKATO PROJECT COST | $7,242,289.21 |
| MnDOT & CITY OF NORTH MANKATO PARTICIPATION | $29,319,728.16 |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $36,562,017.37 |
A preliminary funding plan for the proposed improvements is summarized in the table below.
| FUNDING SOURCE | AMOUNT | PERCENT |
| State Aid | $727,586.00 | 10.0% |
| Special Assessments | $386,000.00 | 5.3% |
| Federal & State Funding Grants | $3,650,560.00 | 50.4% |
| Stormwater Revenue | $0.00 | 0.0% |
| Sewer Revenue | $947,800.00 | 13.1% |
| Water Revenue | $1,079,400.00 | 14.9% |
| Information Technology Capital Fund | $185,463.00 | 2.6% |
| General Obligation Bonds | $265,480.21 | 3.7% |
| TOTAL CITY OF MANKATO FUNDS | $7,242,289.21 | 100.0% |