Otter Tail County Engineer Krysten Foster outlined infrastructure investments during a transportation presentation, highlighting more than $25 million in county road and bridge construction projects scheduled for the 2025 season.

“Through partnership with Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County leaders, I was happy to support the $790,000 Local Road Improvement Program grant for the Friberg and Fir Avenue roundabout,” commented Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R–Fergus Falls). “As our community grows and local infrastructure ages, we need to update our infrastructure to accommodate our growth and ensure the safety of motorists. I will continue to partner with state and community officials to deliver for the needs of our region.”

With residents, contractors, and county officials in attendance, Foster detailed a lineup of improvements across the county, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and long-term planning. Among the major projects:

• CSAH 52 Reclamation — Supported by federal grants, 10.9 miles of road between Hwy. 108 and Hwy. 29 will undergo full-depth reclamation, including the replacement of three box culverts on CSAH 19, CSAH 56 and CSAH 67.

• Fir/Friberg Roundabout — A $790,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Local Road Improvement Program will fund the construction of a new roundabout in Fergus Falls.

• CSAH 35 Shoulder Widening — Backed by a $934,000 state grant through the DNR’s Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), this project will improve safety between Dent and Vergas.

• Innovative Ash Reuse Pilot — The county will test an ash reuse initiative along CSAH 75 in partnership with Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority.

• Seal Coating—As part of a coordinated maintenance strategy, more than 50 miles of roads across townships and cities will receive protective seal coats.

“These infrastructure projects represent a significant investment in our communities,” said Commissioner Wayne Johnson. 

After presenting the 2025 construction highlights, Foster engaged with the audience during a Q&A session and introduced the Otter Tail County Transportation Five-Year Plan, outlining future priorities and ongoing investment in the region’s roads and bridges.

Foster concluded by asking that drivers make safe decisions behind the wheel, especially when traveling through work zones. 

“County employees and contractors’ employees have families and friends. Whether each of us is driving through a work zone or working outside to make improvements for the traveling public, we all want to get home safely every day,” said Foster.

Residents are encouraged to follow progress throughout the construction season by visiting the county’s project pages at www.ottertailcounty.gov/projects.