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By Crystal Reith Increased traffic and pedestrian use of County State Aid Highway 13 was the initial prompt to raise the dikes on the road that leads from highway 59 to Shetek Lutheran Ministries.
“We tried to get some buy in from the regulatory agencies in 2005, but didn’t get very far in the process and we were unable to secure additional funding for a project of this scope,” said Randy Groves, Murray County Highway Engineer. “When the flood of 2018 hit, it was just another example of the need for something to change on the dikes.”
After the devastating flood in 2018, Groves worked with two area legislators to secure funding for the project. In 2022, the project was fully funded as the county was awarded $4.2 million in grant funding to mitigate flooding and provide a safe area for residents to walk and bike. The county then hired a consultant to design and procure all the necessary permits for the project. Shortly after July 4 this year, construction began on Valhalla Road.
“Towne and Country Excavating from the Garvin area has been steadily working since that time, focusing on the three dikes,” said Groves. “Recently, work has been extended to include areas beyond the dikes. A shared use path is part of the project for the public to safely enjoy the lake.”
The Minnesota Department of Resources also contributed financially to the project to provide five shore fishing sites. These will be placed on the dikes and be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The project will provide a wider road section with the elevation above the floodwaters of 2018. The bridge on the second dike has been replaced with a box culvert and a box culvert has also been added to the third dike to address water quality in that area.
“Reclaiming the asphalt surface has begun and more road work is expected soon,” said Groves.
The anticipated completion date is October 17, however, work will continue through that date.
“The project has slowed the traveling public moving about in the area, but I’m glad that everyone has been very patient and understanding,” said Groves. “Construction projects like this don’t often happen in Murray County, but the finished project will worth the wait.”
