Every County in Minnesota faces the same challenge of getting road and bridge projects completed during the short window of decent weather in the Minnesota year.

Before projects can begin, months of work precede the start dates. In Dodge County, four projects that have passed through the planning and approval process are about ready to begin, explained Ashley Larson of the Dodge County Highway Department.

Dodge County Road 7 between Highway 14 and Dodge County Road 34 in Dodge Center will be resurfaced using concrete pavement. The work is scheduled to begin June 6. The project should be completed by early September. The contractor for the work is Doyle Connor.

A project that will begin in late May is the reconstruction of the Ashland Township Bridge on 645th St., 1.4 miles southwest of Dodge Center. The bridge will be rebuilt, and the approach grading will be redone. It is estimated the project will be completed by mid-October. The road will be closed to traffic and a detour will be in place. The contractor for the work is Structural Specialties.

Another project that will be starting up in June is the bituminous pavement resurfacing for Dodge County Road 22 between Concord and Highway 57 and between County Road 11 and the east county line. Also, Dodge County Road 24/Olmsted County Road 13 between Highway 57 and Olmsted County Road 3 will have the bituminous pavement resurfaced. These roads will have periodic closures in areas as culverts are replaced. The contractor for both projects is Rochester Sand and Gravel.

Other projects planned for this year but not yet contracted are resurfacing of County 9 (220 Ave.) between 680 St. and Trunk Highway 30, paving of County 5 (140 Ave.) north of County Road 24 and resurfacing of the west half of Front St. in Claremont.