BEMIDJI, Minn. – A project to stabilize the landslide area near
Highway 2 (West Sixth Street) in Crookston is slated to begin this summer,
according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The project area is
located between Groveland Avenue and Pine Street in the city of Crookston.
“The slide is the result of a slope failure near the highway that’s
caused by the nearby Red Lake River,” said Jim Bittmann, MnDOTproject manager.
“It has not currently affected the safety of the road surface, but it has the
potential to in the future.”
MnDOT is using the design-build process for this project. “A benefit
using the design-build method is that it streamlines the process,” explained
Bittmann. “It allows the project to start much sooner than with
design-bid-build method by bringing designers and contractors together earlier
in the process.” Instead of design being complete when work begins, design and
work can be done concurrently, making the process more flexible.
Design-build also allows for more collaboration, as well as the
opportunity to reduce overall costs. Five consultants worked to design their
own fix, with Nicholson Construction Company chosen as the prime contractor.
This process saved MnDOT a substantial amount of money.
The project cost will be $6,406,360. Preliminary survey work has
already begun, and crews will be contacting adjacent homeowners and businessmen
with a pre-construction survey in the next couple of weeks.
The construction schedule will be as follows:
- Geotechnical investigation- June to July
- Preconstruction monitoring of the slope- July to August
- Minor prep work- June to July
- Construction including excavation and shear wall construction- August to October
- Landscaping and turf establishment- Spring to Summer of 2015
Details on this design-build project on Highway 2 in Crookston can be
found at
