Monticello Approves $3.1M Roundabout Project, Construction Starts May 2025

2/17/25

Minnesota - Monticello drivers and pedestrians can expect major changes and delays on School Boulevard as the city council unanimously approved a $3.1 million roundabout project.

Set to begin in May 2025, the project will replace stop signs at two busy intersections—School Boulevard at Cedar Street and Edmondson Avenue—with single-lane roundabouts. 

“This is going to be amazing at the four-way by Walmart and Kwik Trip," Ashley Hamm wrote on a Monticello Facebook comment section. “That intersection is a shit show when it’s busy.”

The project is part of Monticello’s 2040 plan to modernize infrastructure and improve the city. 

City officials say the upgrades are necessary to address growing traffic concerns along School Boulevard, a key corridor serving residential neighborhoods and businesses. The current four-way stop intersections at Cedar Street and Edmondson Avenue often lead to delays, especially before or after nearby schools let out.

There are mixed feelings about this project.

“Dumb, most don’t know how to use it,” Chad Ziegler, a resident of a neighboring town, wrote on Facebook. “People don’t look left or yield to others in it. I’ve already had to drive up into the middle because the person didn’t look left. Waste of money if you ask me.”

Beyond the roundabouts, the project includes a full-depth reclamation of School Boulevard between Highway 25 and Country Lane. 

Construction will also add a new 10-foot-wide trail along the south side of the road and upgrade sidewalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. 

The landscaped centers will feature perennial plantings with three trees surrounded by mulch.

Of the $3.1 million budget, $1.485 million will come from federal grants, while $483,170 will be paid through assessments.

Following a bidding process, the city selected OMG Midwest Inc. as the contractor. The company submitted the lowest bid at $3,157,869.76, beating out three other firms. 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reviewing the contract, and final approval is expected soon.

“The goal would be to get the project done, so if [OMG Midwest] is able to start early, we would likely consider unless there was opposition,” he said. “The goal is to have it done before school starts.”

Construction will take place in six phases to Sept. 1. The roundabouts are scheduled to open during the fourth phase.

Public Works Director and City Engineer Matt Leonard presented an overview of the project to the city council in Jan.