Sod Placement Begins Soon: Nicollet Avenue Reconstruction Update

Crews have been working on reconstructing Nicollet Avenue between 36th and 40th Avenues since April, and they are getting close to finishing for the season.

The following is the latest e-mail update from the Minneapolis Public Works Department, sent out on Wednesday, Sept. 18:

Thomas and Sons has completed replacing most of the sidewalks on Nicollet should complete placing black dirt in the boulevards behind the curbs today. Sod placement is scheduled start tomorrow, weather permitting.

Please remember that sod maintenance will become the property owner’s responsibility. Suggestions for sod maintenance:

Sufficient and timely watering is critical to new sod until the root system is fully established to withstand drought and still come back. This can take a full year at times. The areas with full sun may require more water than shaded areas. It’s important to not let the new sod dry out.

Proper mowing: A basic rule is to never remove more than 1/3 of the grass height during a single mowing. Example: Cut grass when it’s 4” high and set the cutting height to 3”. Allowing grass to grow to a height of 6” or more and cutting it very short can injure new sod to the extent it may die. This is especially harmful when watering is insufficient.

The final layer of asphalt between 36th and 40th St is scheduled to be placed September 24th, weather permitting. Roadway striping and sawing and sealing of contraction joints will follow the final layer of asphalt.

Minneapolis Traffic will continue the above ground work on the signals and street lighting. The estimated schedule for when this work will be completed will be shared when it’s available.

Minneapolis Park Board expects to plant trees along Nicollet starting this fall. Information on that schedule will be shared as it’s available.

Businesses are open during construction and local access to business and residential driveways will be maintained. However, it will change based on the type and location of the work being done.

Please be mindful of the detour signage and road closures. Safety of the workers, neighbors, and those traveling through the area is important and we appreciate your patience during construction.

We will share any updates as they are available.

The next community meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Butter Bakery Cafe, 3700 Nicollet Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

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