Amid 64 trains per day and increasing summer traffic, Hoffman Construction is progressing on its largest ever DOT contract in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

The $35 million reconstruction of Trunk Highway 10 has been long awaited by the city, and residents are encouraged by Hoffman’s commitment to  complete the project in two years instead of the proposed three years. Highway 10 is a heavily traveled route from St. Cloud, MN to Fargo, ND, and currently has 70 access points through town. The project will realign a portion of Highway 10 and improve and create frontage roads, reducing the    number of access points to 7. The primary goal of the project is to improve safety along the corridor. One of the most important aspects is eliminating one at-grade rail crossing with an underpass.

During the bidding process, Hoffman realized the size and scope of the project would demand two project managers.  Chad Johnson and Jody Loew each have their own duties but collaborate often during the day.  With twenty subcontractors to manage, two grading crews and a pipe crew, there is always plenty to plan for.  One of Chad’s duties is erosion control supervisor, which carries a lot of responsibility because of the proximity to the lake.  He was pleased when the project survived a 3.5 inch rain event in mid-May.  Jody has been lining up the crews and subcontractors, in addition to working with local utilities and the railroads. 

Jeff Rubin and Chris Crotteau each are responsible for a section of the project.  Jeff has been grading on the many stages of Highway 59, which includes building a new 5-span bridge over multiple railroad tracks in two phases. Chris has been grading along the lake on Highway 10 and realigning Hwy 54. Terry Klatt joined the team on Monday, June 11 to undertake the 28,000 linear feet of storm sewer on the project. Ron Overlien is the area project manager and has been making weekly visits to the job.