Show All Answers

1. What is the difference between reconstruction, reclamation and rehabilitation?

The following table is a side-by-side comparison of reconstruction, reclamation and rehabilitation:

Work	Reconstruction	Reclamation	Rehabilitation
Pavement Replacement	Full Depth	Full Depth	Top 2"
Curb Replacement	Full	Partial	Partial
Sanitary Sewer Repairs	X	X	X
Storm Sewer Repairs/Upgrades	X	X
Water Main Replacement	X

2. How are streets selected for reconstruction, reclamation and rehabilitation?

The City identifies streets to be improved in the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).  This plan is reviewed annually in order to prioritize the identified streets based on a variety of factors including: street condition, age, condition of utilities and the type of street.

3. How will the City communicate project progress and updates with residents and business owners?

Property owners will receive formal notification via US Mail for the following:

• When preliminary design work will be occurring for a given neighborhood
• Notice of neighborhood meetings to be held during the final design phase and prior to the start of construction
• Notice of the public hearing before the City Council to approve the project
• Notice of the final assessment hearing

The City will also post updates about design, neighborhood meetings, and construction progress on the City’s website, where there is also an option to sign up for e-mail or text message updates related to each project. During construction, the City’s contractor will distribute door flyers to communicate construction impacts such as parking restrictions and water service interruptions during the project. 

Street Improvement Program details

4. Will I lose trees in my yard?

The City strives to protect trees to the greatest extent possible on all street projects; however, the following trees may require trimming or outright removal:

• Ash trees
• Trees within the right-of-way
• Trees that obstruct sight lines at intersections
• Trees that overhang the roadway

Design staff will identify potentially problematic trees, and will work with the City Forester to determine if trimming or removal may be necessary. The City Forester will also be available to meet with residents and answer specific questions about potential tree impacts during the Neighborhood Meeting process.

5. Will my mail service or garbage service be interrupted?

For Street Reconstruction projects, property owners will be notified at the start of construction if removal of their mailbox is necessary to complete the work. If so, the contractor will install temporary mailboxes at a location near the edge of the project area as determined by the U.S. Postal Service.

Garbage service will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. The Contractor will provide access to garbage haulers to make garbage pickups.

6. What if my irrigation or landscaping is damaged during construction?

In an effort to minimize damages, prior to the start of construction, property owners are encouraged to transplant any flowers or plants they wish to save for replanting following construction, and to mark any of the following buried items with flags, stakes, or other markers:

• Electrical wires
• Invisible fencing
• Irrigation system heads

7. Where does the funding come from for street improvement projects?

The City of Burnsville pays for street and utility improvements using the following funding mechanisms: 

1. Special Assessments (for approximately 40% of street improvements) 
2. Sewer and Water Utility Fund (for 100% of sanitary sewer and water main improvements) 
3. Storm Water Utility Fund (for 100% of storm sewer and drainage improvements)

8. What is a typical project timeline?

The City of Burnsville strives for lower costs and greater flexibility with construction projects and schedules; therefore, the City tries to have projects bid during the late winter and early spring, with our goal being to have construction work substantially completed by mid- fall. 

9. Can my entire driveway be replaced as part of the street project?

The City of Burnsville and its contractor does not provide quotes to replace driveways as part of its street construction projects. Property owners may use their own contractor to replace their driveway.  If this is the option chosen, property owners can sign a waiver whereby the City will not reinstall concrete aprons or asphalt patches that are disturbed as part of street work, and the property owner agrees to restore the driveway within a specified time period. Once construction begins, residents are encouraged to contact their construction inspector to discuss options; however, property owners are encouraged to wait until the street is paved to have this work performed.

10. How do I find information about easements?

For information about easements, call the Engineering Department at 952-895-4463 or send an email to: walter.ehresmann@burnsvillemn.gov.

11. How do I find information about assessments?

Most questions and answers can be found on our Assessment Page. If you have any additional inquiries - please contact the Engineering Department at 952-895-4495, or send an email to: assessments@burnsvillemn.gov.