St. Mary Avenue & 14th Street Reconstruction Project Updates – Job 2603

June 4, 2026

St. Mary Avenue Reconstruction – This week temporary water was set up and the bacteria testing was obtained and the sanitary sewer replacement was completed. Watermain and storm sewer replacement is scheduled for next week (week of June 8th).

14th Street Reconstruction – The watermain on the east end of 14th street was completed, and storm sewer crossing and catch basin replacement began. A water shutdown affecting Ventura Foods is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, to replace and install water valves and make connections to the new watermain. Next week, week of June 8th, they plan to complete the storm sewer and catch basin replacement, remove the remaining asphalt pavement, and excavate and install the new aggregate road-base.

May 28, 2026 – Work completed this week included removing the curb & gutter and pavement on the north side of 14th Street. The temporary water supply that will serve the Albert Lea Seed House building has been set up and awaiting passing bacteria tests before it can be switched over. If the bacteria tests pass, the watermain replacement will begin Monday of next week.

On St Mary Avenue, traffic control has been set up, and next week the contractor will remove the pavement, curb & and sidewalk, as well as set up the temporary water system.

May 21, 2026 – The contractor was delayed on another project and was unable to start work this week. They plan to begin removals on 14th Street next week and to begin the watermain replacement starting at the Myers Road intersection. The contractor will leave the pavement on the south side of the road in place to allow trucks in and out. They will also build up the private road around the north side of Ventura Foods to serve as a temporary access when needed.

May 15, 2026 – The contract was awarded to Jensen Excavating, they plan to begin removing the pavement on 14th Street next week. They plan to leave the pavement on the south side of the road in place while they are replacing the watermain to allow for traffic to the affected businesses to remain uninterrupted.