Minnewashta Parkway Improvement Project

Overview

This project is being constructed in 2020 and 2021. The project limits within Chanhassen will extend from Hwy. 7 into the City of Victoria and end at West 77th Street. The roadway section between West 77th Street and Hwy. 5 was recently improved by MNDot and does not require rehabilitation. Hence, the entire street length between Hwy. 7 and Hwy. 5 will be improved by the end of the project.

The project includes replacement of water main, and new water services to the curb stop/box near the property lines. Gate valves and hydrants are also being replaced. Sanitary sewer, and stormwater piping system repairs are being made as necessary. The forcemains from the two lift stations along the corridor are also being replaced. Surface water improvements to some of the storm water ponds are also included. The retaining walls within the public right-of-way are being improved as needed. The trails and accessibility improvements are being improved. The existing curb and gutter will be reviewed during construction and spot replacements will be done as needed. Drain tile is being added in select areas to improve the drainage of the street's support layer.

Due to the extent of the improvements and to provide reasonable access to the area, the project is divided into two phases. The first phase was completed in 2020, and the second phase will cover the northern half in 2021. The project was able to justify to MnDOT that a temporary signal light at the intersection with Hwy 5 is warranted in 2021, to assist with the additional traffic that will be directed to the intersection.

As a result of the Arboretum Area Transportation Plan (AATP), additional traffic studies will be done as part of the Trunk Highway 5 expansion project. See below, under Related Resources. The next step for that project is estimated to begin in the fall of 2021, once funding in secured.

Construction Work Zone Safety

While construction of the project is occurring – PLEASE drive cautiously and safely if you are traveling within the work zone. This is a requirement by law to drive responsibly due to the changing nature of the work zone and the safety of the construction workers, nearby property owners, and other people utilizing the corridor. A speed limit is intended to be observed under ideal conditions. A construction work zone is typically far from ideal. Loose gravel, the presence of construction workers and equipment, excavations, and an ever-changing corridor are a few of the many concerns that require driver’s attention and caution. Simply put – speeding and driving recklessly are unacceptable practices.

‘Road Closed to Thru Traffic’ means a driver should only be utilizing the route if they live in the area and need to access the property. Otherwise, alternate routes should be utilized.

‘Road Closed’ means all drivers should not be utilizing this section of roadway unless they are exempt. Exempted vehicles are generally only emergency vehicles, school buses, and vehicles of properties within the closed area. All other vehicles should avoid this area. If a residence is outside of the ‘Road Closed’ area – drivers should utilize alternate routes that avoid the closed area to access the property.

Project Updates

May 13, 2022

You're invited to an Open House
Learn more about planned improvements
at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

4:30-6:30 pm

Macmillan Auditorium, Oswald Visitor Center
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3685 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318

(In-person Open House; public rotates in small groups to topic tables and tripod 'presentation' boards which are staffed with folks from the organizations involved. No Zoom option)

May 4, 2022

The City is working with the Contractor to schedule the remaining punch list items to complete the project.

As part of the larger AATP related projects, Carver County has established a Communications Steering Committee to guide communications. The committee is made up of the following agencies and supported by consultant partners:
• Carver County
• MnDOT
• City of Victoria
• City of Chanhassen
• City of Chaska
• UMN Landscape Arboretum

An additional in-depth traffic study for Minnewashta Parkway will be part of the overall TH5 widening project which is scheduled to begin design this summer.

The UMN Arboretum PACE project (internal circulation & main entrance relocation) is being led by the University and is planning to host an open house to receive public comment at the end of May. The internal improvements will be made ahead of the TH5 widening project so that once the Hwy work is complete, the main access relocation for the Arboretum is ready to go.

As a reminder, the City proved to MnDOT that a temporary signal system was warranted at TH5 and Minnewashta Parkway as part of the project due to the construction impacts on traffic. In addition, the City advocated for the signal system to remain in place due to the Arboretum’s plan to relocate their main entrance and the Federal grant funding the County received to expand TH5 to 4-lanes through this intersection. Over the winter, MnDOT ultimately determined the temporary signal could remain in place until the permanent signal is installed. A permanent signal system would not be warranted without the Arboretum main access relocation.

We thank you for your patience as we close out the project.

Previously Posted Updates

Related Resources

Project Maps

Minnewashta Parkway Project Layout -This map shows the proposed project improvements.
Construction Phasing Layout -This map shows the proposed construction phasing for the project.

Arboretum Area Transportation Plan (AATP)

Minnewashta Parkway/Highway 5 Frequently Asked Questions - September 2020

Assessment Practice

The City of Chanhassen's Assessment Practice is intended to provide direction to City Staff in preparation of assessment rolls for public improvements, to ensure fair and consistent treatment of all properties within the City of Chanhassen.

Assessment Map -This maps show which properties are proposed to be assessed for the Minnewashta Parkway Project.
Assessment Calculation Exhibit
2020 Special Assessment Changes
Pavement Management Questions/Answers

Feasibility Study

To see the final report on the feasibility study for the Minnewashta Parkway Project click HERE.

Project Schedule

Project Schedule
Neighborhood Open House	July 30, 2019
Accept Feasibility Report/Call Public Hearing	October 14, 2019
Public Hearing	October 28, 2019
Approve Plans & Specifications/Authorize Bidding	February 10, 2020
Bid Opening	March 6, 2020
Neighborhood Meeting	March 24, 2020 -CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
Assessment Hearing/Award Contract	April 27, 2020
Construction Phase 1	May 2020 - November 2020
Construction Phase 2	April 2021 - October 2021
Substantial Completion	October 2021

Project Notification Disclaimer
Due to the variability of construction, updates typically do not include specific details such as day-to-day scheduled activity. The City's inspector or contractor will notify occupants directly if they will be impacted by a utility service shut down (example: water shutoff), or work (such as excavation or new curb) that will impede access to the property for a period of hours or days.