However, according to Joe MacPherson from the Anoka County Transportation Department, looks can be deceiving.
“By no means does that completely repair the roadway,” MacPherson said. “This just buys us time to conduct a study and come up with what the ultimate repair is.”
The county is conducting a study to try and figure out exactly what this half mile stretch of pavement between Lexington Avenue on the east and Hamline Avenue on the west should look like in the future. Anoka County Commissioner Jeff Reinert says Lovell needs upgrades.
“Lovell Road has been a problem for many years,” Reinert said. “Residents have been wanting the county to take a look at it, make some improvements. What’s really needed is a complete reconstruction of the corridor and to also put in some sewer and water and some other improvements. We’re looking at also putting in a sidewalk.”
Jorge Bernal is an Engineering Manager for the Anoka County Highway Department. Like Reinert he believes Lovell needs some fixes.
“It’s a very important section of road,” Bernal said. “It’s unique because it has a transition from Radisson Road on the west side of 35 and connects with Lexington. We want to make sure that when we do this project we identify what the issues are and make sure that it’s a project that serves the community as well as the traveling public.”
Road conundrum
MacPherson is hoping the county can come up with the perfect solution for this road conundrum.
“This area is very tight,” MacPherson said. “The right away is very narrow and we’re missing sections of sidewalk and bike trails. This project has the potential to add those facilities, but we need to balance that with the other impacts, such as right away impacts.”
Of course, cost is a huge factor and Bernal and Reinhart are well aware of that
Said Bernal: “Reconstruction of this size, usually it’s around $3 1/2 to 4 million and that would be only for county road costs.”
“The cost is ambitious,” Reinert said. “It’s gonna be expensive. I think first quotes were coming in over $5 million and Lexington doesn’t have a very large budget to work with us on that, so what we’re doing is we’re looking at different options. Maybe reducing what we’re going to do there or possibly look at some grant funds that might be available to help us out.”
The study will take six to nine months to complete and there will be public input. The project is expected to start in 2027 or 2028 and Reinert is optimistic that things will go smoothly.
“We’re going to get this done,” Reinert said. We’re going to get it done to the satisfaction of residents as soon as possible.”
