August 29, 2025

Construction Delays Disrupt Traffic at Marshall Intersection

here-intlog
August 29, 2025
7:16 am
Milwaukee

News Summary

Marshall is experiencing construction delays at a significant intersection, impacting local traffic as work continues on the new energy center project. The intersection of West College Drive and Saratoga Street will be closed to vehicles, causing motorists to seek alternate routes. R and G Construction is coordinating with local schools to ensure student safety during the construction. The energy center project, part of a larger utility initiative, aims to enhance energy reliability and affordability while creating jobs and fostering community development.

Marshall – Construction delays at a key intersection in Marshall are causing disruptions for local traffic as the new energy center project progresses. Paving work at the intersection of West College Drive and Saratoga Street is currently underway, but it is unlikely to be open to traffic by the time classes resume next week at nearby schools.

Starting Monday, the intersection will be closed to vehicle traffic as R and G Construction begins concrete road surface work, commencing at 6:30 a.m. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, as other Highway 19 crossings remain open. Detour signs are in effect on Lyon County Road 7 and Minnesota Highway 23, although some segments of the highway are still accessible for local traffic.

In preparation for the school year, R and G Construction is working closely with Marshall Public Schools to ensure student safety. A path for children to safely cross the intersection on foot has been planned, complete with marked paths and a hard surface. Erika Coudron from R and G will be present at the intersection to assist children in navigating these changes when school resumes, with classes starting Wednesday at Southview Elementary and Marshall Middle School.

Utility and grading work is ongoing in the area designated for a new roundabout near the National Guard Armory. Excavators have begun preparing a trench for utility line placement, and crews are also nearing completion on water and sewer pipe installations as part of the project. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is managing the construction at the three-way intersection, aligning with the new energy center initiatives.

The current phase of concrete paving is set to continue into next week, weather permitting. In a statement by a representative from R and G Construction, it was indicated that contractors expect to integrate the ends of the intersection with the other parts of the street within one to two weeks. However, a delay is anticipated between this phase’s completion and the beginning of the fourth and final stage of construction on College Drive, which is scheduled to start in the fall.

The construction of the Marshall Energy Center is part of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance’s $175 million “Building MO Power” initiative. Groundbreaking for the project occurred on July 22, and it is set to feature four natural gas turbines installed in two phases, with operations expected to begin between 2026 and 2029. When completed, the facility will generate 134 megawatts in winter and 99 megawatts in summer, providing enough energy to supply three cities the size of Marshall.

The main goal of the Marshall Energy Center is to enhance the reliability of the electric grid and maintain affordable energy costs for residents and businesses. This project not only aims to bolster community energy infrastructure but will also create jobs and foster local collaboration that is expected to enhance community vitality.

In summary, while the community prepares for the upcoming school year, residents should be aware of the ongoing construction work affecting traffic flow and accessibility. R and G Construction is committed to ensuring the safety of students and minimizing disruptions as the energy center project advances.