SRF designed the reconstruction and extension of Tower Road in southwest Fergus Falls. The project reconstructed CSAH 1 north of I-94, extended Tower Road, and added a bridge over the Otter Tail River, completing a critical link in the area transportation network.
Working with the City of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County, SRF completed a preliminary layout and environmental documentation. The project required the completion of an Environmental Assessment/Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed improvements. During preliminary design, we analyzed a number of alternative routes and features including a new railroad crossing. Subsequently, SRF completed final design, which included a single-lane roundabout designed to allow future expansion to multiple lanes; improvements to commercial and residential access; and pedestrian overlooks at both ends of the new river bridge. The new bridge was a three-span concrete girder bridge with each span measuring 152 feet.
The addition of a new railroad crossing required extensive coordination with Otter Tail Valley Railroad. The coordination was key to the project’s success and included the closure of an existing crossing within the city limits, analysis of an at-grade vs. a grade-separated crossing, vertical and horizontal alignment of track, approaching roadway grades, proximity to bridge, design as a quiet zone ready crossing, right of way and easements, railroad agreements that dealt with both owner of the track (Otter Tail Valley) and owner of the right of way (BNSF), and coordination of construction activities.
