The Albert Lea City Council approved a professional services agreement Monday night for the complete reconstruction of Park Avenue in 2016.

The city approved hiring WSB & Associates, a professional consulting and design firm, for $107,599. The agreement means the company will assist with plans for the project.

The estimated $2 million project includes the complete reconstruction of Park Avenue, from East and West Park Avenue, Mariners Lane, Harriet Lane and Grace Street.

The project will include the replacement or repair of the sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer. The gravel of the road and curb and gutter are planned to be reconstructed. The sidewalk on both sides of Park Avenue, the Park Avenue loop and the north side of Mariners Lane will be replaced.

City staff said the sidewalks on Grace Street and Harriet Lane do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and they plan to eliminate the sidewalk on one side and shift the roadway to accommodate a wider, ADA-compliant sidewalk.

“It’s just a continued effort on our part to try to rehab our infrastructure,” said Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr.

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke said the project will be designed over the winter and public meetings will be held in January and February.

He said city funds, sewer and water enterprise funds and assessments will likely be used to pay for the project, and the project is needed.

“It’s at the end of its life,” Jahnke said.

Jahnke said he isn’t sure how long the project will take.

The city has several other projects planned for 2016:

Reconstruction on Lake Chapeau Drive, expected to cost approximately $550,000 — $430,000 from bonding and $120,000 from assessments.

Edgewater Drive reconstruction, projected to cost $300,000 — $250,000 from bonding and $50,000 from assessments.

Lake Avenue reconstruction, projected to cost $275,000 — $55,000 from the water fund, $60,000 from the sewer fund, $55,000 from bonding and $105,000 in assessments.

Neighborhood overlays, primarily in the 5th and 6th wards, including the Frank Hall Park area, $850,000.

Lakeview Boulevard overlay from Hatch Bridge to Martin Road.