Union & Lincoln Surface & ADA Improvements – Fergus Falls, MN

Challenge

The City of Fergus Falls, MN was looking to improve poor pavement and pedestrian conditions through Union Avenue and Lincoln Avenue in downtown Fergus Falls. The existing streets were over 50 years old, had curb line ponding problems, and needed ADA sidewalk accessibility improvements. Additionally, existing underground electrical vaults and cobblestone sidewalks and crosswalks made ADA ramp improvements a challenge.

Solution

Design for the project started in the summer of 2021 and the project was bid and constructed in 2023. Moore Engineering provided topographic, boundary, and construction survey, preliminary and final design, construction inspection, and construction contract administration services for the project.

Outcome

ADA improvements and street resurfacing were completed on a .93-mile stretch of Union Avenue and a .35 span of Lincoln Avenue in downtown Fergus Falls. The improvements should provide 20 years of street life. 17 underground electrical vaults were salvaged and relocated, and all cobblestones were removed at pedestrian ramp areas and within street intersections, making the corridor ADA-compliant. Designated bike lanes were added to Lincoln Avenue through downtown. The design also accommodates bike lanes on Union Avenue. The completed project results in two aesthetically pleasing corridors that are safer for vehicles and welcoming to pedestrians and bicycle enthusiasts.