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County Road 83 to undergo significant improvements

Reconstruction will begin in August

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is working with Scott County on a project to reconstruct County Road 83 to improve traffic flow and safety. The project affects the stretch of County Road 83 between Country Road 42 and County Road 82 in Prior Lake. Construction will begin this August and is scheduled to be complete in November 2017.

Primarily funded by the SMSC, with a $950,000 contribution from Scott County, the $17.5 million project will increase portions of County Road 83 to four lanes and will also add trails and walkways to both sides of the road, improving safety for walkers, runners and cyclists. These new trails and walkways will connect with Prior Lake’s extensive trail system and will enable Prior Lake, Spring Lake Regional Park, and Shakopee to fill a significant gap in non-motorized vehicle options.

Because the SMSC-led project is being contractually administered on behalf of Scott County, the SMSC and Scott County entered into a joint powers agreement in early July. The SMSC hired Minnesota firm Bolton & Menk, which will coordinate with Scott County to ensure the project meets all long-term traffic, safety and functional needs.

“We are glad to continue our work with Scott County on a project so important to our own Community and our neighbors,” said Chairman Charlie Vig. “When complete, this project will significantly improve safety and convenience for visitors and local residents.” 

To accommodate the improvements, a small portion of the open-water wetland called Mystic Lake will be filled. After construction is complete, additional wetland will be added near Howard Lake to create more than twice as much new wetland in the area than will be filled during construction. The SMSC is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on the mitigation plan and permits, which are anticipated in August.

The project will be completed in two phases:

• Phase one: Beginning in August and continuing through mid-December 2016, County Road 83 will be closed to through traffic between Dakotah Parkway and County Road 82 to complete the south half of the project. Local access to businesses and homes along County Road 83 will be maintained. An alternate route for through traffic during the closure will be available on Marschall Road/County Road 17.
• Phase two: The north half of the project will begin in April of 2017 and be complete in the fall of 2017. County Road 83 will remain open throughout this phase, with certain lanes closed at different times as work along the road progresses. Specific details on lane closure timing will be available as this phase of construction nears.

In addition to the County Road 83 project, the SMSC is also investing in the construction of local roads, exit ramps, and other improvements near and related to County Road 83.

More information about the County Road 83 project is available at countyroad-83.com.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Making its top priority to be a good neighbor, the SMSC is one of the top 10 philanthropists in Minnesota and donates more to charity than any other Indian tribe in America. It also focuses on being a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.