City Council Meeting Date: November 17, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
City Administrator
From: David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Resolution requesting that Rice County keep County Road 78 Reconstruction Project in 2029 in the 10-year Transportation Improvement Plan.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves Resolution Requesting that Rice County keep County Road 78 Reconstruction Project in 2029 in the 10-year Transportation Improvement Plan.
Summary Report:
Rice County 2026-2035 Transportation Improvement Plan(TIP) has the reconstruction of County Road 78 scheduled for construction in 2029. This project in coordination with City of Northfield was moved back from 2028 due to MnDot’s Trunk Highway 19 reconstruction project scheduled in 2028.
Rice County is currently developing the 2027-2036 TIP, and the County is considering moving the Reconstruction of County Road 78 to 2030. The City of Northfield capital improvements plan aligns with Rice County’s plan for reconstruction of County Road 78 in 2029. The City is requesting Rice County not delay this project another year.
County Road 78 has a segment of Mill Towns State Trail along the roadway. The trail is in terrible condition and has reached the end of its life. The City believes in continued collaboration in project scoping with the MnDNR to keep the project on schedule for 2029 construction.
Please consider the attached resolution supporting joint effort to keep the reconstruction project scheduled for 2029.
The Resolution (Attachment 1) before Council provides for the City support in this effort as this work aligns with numerous City goals and plans.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Capital Improvement Plan
Walking and Biking Network Plan
Climate Action Plan
2045 Comprehensive Plan
Transportation Plan
Alternative Options:
NA - Staff recommend supporting this work
Financial Impacts:
None
Tentative Timelines:
Reconstruction in 2029.