The final phases of a major storm sewer replacement project in southwest Minot are set to begin next week, according to the City of Minot.

Phases 7-9 of the Puppy Dog Coulee project are scheduled to be completed during the 2026 construction season, with work on Phase 8 beginning Monday, April 27, the city announced.

Traffic control on a portion of 16th Street Southwest SW will be installed beginning April 27 for Phase 8, which includes new concrete box culverts under 16th Street just north of 26th Avenue Southwest. Construction will begin on the east side of 16th Street, with the two northbound lanes closed and vehicle traffic reduced to head-to-head, using the two southbound lanes on the west side of 16th Street. During this phase there will be no left turns allowed onto or off of Parkside Dr. Southwest nor 26th Avenue Southwest from 16th Street.

The nearly $20 million project has been in discussion and planning since at least 2015. Phases 1-6 of the project were substantially completed in 2025. Other phases scheduled for this construction season include:

– Phase 7, underground utility work (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water mains) and reconstructing a portion of 24th Avenue Southwest between the Arco gas station and the intersection just northwest of Target.

– Phase 9, installing concrete box culverts under the west side of 16th Street Southwest and rebuilding the affected portion of roadway. During this phase, traffic will be head-to-head using the two northbound lanes of 16th Street.

– Final paving, striping, landscaping and concrete work completed on 2025 phases in the Highlands Plaza Strip Mall parking lot and near Dakota West Plaza, Hotel Revel and Easter Seals.

This year’s phases have a substantial completion date of Aug. 18, with final completion by Oct. 20. Wagner Construction is the general contractor, with a total low bid of $19.68 million, which was 11% below estimates.

The Puppy Dog Coulee drainage basin includes 9,500 acres, extending miles southwest of Minot. The culverts convey storm water from west of Minot, under 16th Street, through the area of the mall, and to the Highway 2 & 52 ditch.