Spring road construction begins in Perham; here's what you need to know

PERHAM — Spring weather means more road construction, and work on the 2022-23 street rehabilitation project commenced early this week . City Engineer Jade Berube discussed the work to be completed through spring and summer 2023 and its schedule at the Perham City Council meeting on the evening of Monday, May 8. After the meeting, the city hosted an open house to explain the rest of the project to residents.

The following portions of the project still need to be completed by contractor Central Specialties: County State Aid Highway No. 8, First Avenue North (Main Street to Third Street), Pinewood Lane and the southwest portion (Fourth and Fifth streets and avenues).

Berube said Central Specialties currently have a tentative construction schedule set. All of these plans are subject to change.

Construction began with the out-of-town portion at Rural County 8 — which started on Monday, May 8 — and will probably take about five weeks to complete. Milling/full-depth reclamation, which already started, will take two weeks; grading/shaping will likely begin May 15 and take about one week; paving will likely start mid-May and end early June; shouldering/pavement marking will start around June 8 and take about one week.

The southwest portion will start next week, around May 15, and this full portion will likely take about two and a half months to complete. Central Specialties will start with removals, which will take about two weeks; underground utilities work will start around May 22 and take about five weeks; grading/aggregate will start in early June and take about five weeks; curb and driveway work will start in late June and take about three weeks; paving construction will begin in mid-July and take about two weeks.

The Pinewood Lane portion is tentatively set to start in mid-July with removals, and all individual project activities are expected to take about one week. Underground utilities work will also start mid-July; grading will start late July; curb and driveway work will be in early August; paving will also take place early August.

Perham Focus file photo

Before a schedule can be set for the First Avenue North portion, which goes by the Tuffy's office and Photo Magic, Central Specialties needs to wait to receive permitting on the railroad. Once that is finalized, they will be able to start work over there, and a more definitive timeline will be set. There will be a detour set along Second Avenue Northeast when this work takes place.

The total project is expected to be done by around mid-August, and Central Specialties have until Sept. 1 to complete construction if met with any delays. If you have any questions, contact Berube at jade.berube@apexenggroup.com or City Manager Jon Smith at jsmith@cityofperham.com.

"I thank everyone for their patience as we go through it and hopefully hold on a little longer until we get it all done," Berube said.

At the meeting, the council also discussed:

• The council declared a vacancy following the death of council member James Johnson. Applications are available to the public until May 26. All applicants will be invited to the committee of the whole meeting at the end of May, and the council plans to appoint someone at the June 12 council meeting.
• The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for June 12 at 5:15 p.m., and the next committee of the whole meeting is scheduled for May 31 at 5:15 p.m.