Project Manager Newsletter
March 2025
In this edition of the PM Newsletter, I will be revisiting the topic of property impacts. I last wrote about property impacts in the February 2024 PM Newsletter. As we get through the environmental study, reducing property impacts remains a top priority for me. As a reminder, under Minnesota law, MnDOT has the authority to acquire property for the state highway system but must:
- Only acquire what land is needed for the highway,
- Buy land at fair and just prices, and
- Cannot purchase land until the environmental process is completed.
The project team continues to refine the concept design on Hwy 252 to develop the footprint and assess impacts. Through this work, we have further reduced property impacts, which could include relocations, partial takings, and temporary easements for construction. We will know more numbers of these property impacts in the next phase.
Currently, the number of potential property relocations is between 9 and 38 (2.1 and 11 acres), depending on which access combination is chosen for Hwy 252. This includes both residential and commercial properties.
- Access combination 1 with Hwy 252 over the local road:
9 potential relocations - Access combination 2 with Hwy 252 over the local road:
25 potential relocations - Access combination 3 with Hwy 252 over the local road:
18 potential relocations - Access combination 4 with Hwy 252 over the local road:
39 potential relocations - Access combination 5 with Hwy 252 over the local road:
17 potential relocations - No build – no impacts
The project team will further refine the footprint as we continue analyzing alternatives, with the goal of reducing property impacts even more. Just to make sure expectations are clear: we will not be able to avoid all property impacts unless the No Build option is chosen. We remain committed to finding solutions on the corridor to enable people to drive, walk, bike or roll on or across the corridor safely and reliably.
In a future PM Newsletter, we will discuss the steps MnDOT is required to take to acquire property. Until then, more information is available on the property impacts webpage. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions!
Question of the month
What happens if a property is impacted?
If the acquisition of private property is required, MnDOT will follow the federal law called the Uniform Relocation Act. In summary, right-of-way agents will contact affected property owners, appraisals will be undertaken, and fair market value will be determined. Relocation assistance is also available to affected property owners.